Kolkata

Humayun Kabir on Saturday criticised the arrest of an AIMIM-linked leader in connection with the Malda judicial officers’ gherao, calling the move “unjust” and politically driven.

The Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief alleged that the police had detained an individual who had actually played a role in calming tensions in the area rather than instigating unrest.

The West Bengal Police had on Friday arrested two individuals, including advocate Mofakkarul Islam, who authorities described as the “mastermind” behind the incident involving the confinement of seven judicial officers.

Responding to the arrests, Kabir claimed in a social media post that the action, carried out by the state CID, was influenced by directives from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and was politically motivated.

He argued that the narrative surrounding the incident was being distorted. According to Kabir, Islam had addressed a gathering in Sujapur, near Al-Sifa Hospital along National Highway-12, where a peaceful protest had been underway earlier in the day, far from the site of the gherao.

Kabir maintained that there was no proof linking Islam to the incident involving the judicial officers and insisted that the protest he attended was unrelated.

He further claimed that Islam had, in fact, helped ease tensions by engaging in discussions with local authorities, including the additional district magistrate, which eventually led to the protest being called off.

“It is surprising that someone who contributed to restoring peace has been arrested,” Kabir said.

The AJUP leader also alleged selective action, stating that Trinamool Congress candidate Sabina Yasmin and Congress leader Abdul Hannan were present at the protest and had expressed support, yet no steps were taken against them.

Kabir further claimed that calls for action against Islam originated from the IT cell of a political party and were later amplified by the ruling establishment.

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He demanded Islam’s immediate release and called for a fair and impartial investigation into the entire episode.