The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday, 24 September 2026, questioned Sabina Yeasmin, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator from Sujapur Assembly constituency in Malda district, in connection with the violent attack on judicial officers at Mothabari during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) electoral roll exercise held earlier this year. The interrogation marks a significant escalation in the federal agency's probe into a case that drew widespread condemnation.

How the Questioning Unfolded

Yeasmin had originally been directed to appear at Kaliachak Police Station in Malda, but instead presented herself at the NIA's Kolkata office, citing her husband's ongoing medical treatment at a city hospital. 'I informed the NIA in advance about my wish to be present at the agency's Kolkata office instead of Kaliachak. Accordingly, I was asked to be present at 3 p.m. on Thursday, which I followed,' she said. The agency accepted the arrangement. The NIA had earlier also summoned her husband, Mehboob Alam, for questioning in the same matter.

What Happened at Mothabari

The incident occurred in April 2026 at Mothabari under Kaliachak-II block in Malda district. A violent mob detained judicial officers who were conducting adjudication work as part of the SIR exercise for several hours inside the office of the local Block Development Officer (BDO). Protesters simultaneously blocked National Highway-12 and attacked vehicles carrying the judicial officers before police eventually rescued them. The attack drew sharp criticism against the state government and the ruling Trinamool Congress. Notably, a section within the party reportedly attempted to frame the violence as spontaneous public outrage by residents whose names had been deleted during the SIR process.

Scale of the NIA Investigation

The NIA was subsequently handed charge of the investigation. Across the Mothabari incident, a total of 12 cases have been registered. The agency has already filed two charge sheets — one of 54 pages and another of 11 pages — collectively naming 23 accused. Charges have been framed under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including attempt to murder, assault on government servants, illegal detention, obstruction of government work, and harassment, among other serious offences.

Political and Legal Significance

This is the first confirmed instance of an elected TMC legislator being questioned by the NIA in connection with the Mothabari attack. The case has become a flashpoint in Bengal's pre-election political landscape, with opposition parties citing it as evidence of institutional intimidation during electoral exercises. The involvement of a sitting MLA raises questions about the extent of political links to the violence, which investigators are reportedly pursuing. With charge sheets already filed and more questioning expected, the case is likely to intensify scrutiny on the Trinamool leadership in the weeks ahead.