Mamata Banerjee Hails Bengal CID for Swift Arrest in Malda Incident, Accuses Opposition of Conspiracy
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared on Friday that the state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which she emphasized remains under her administration's control, executed a decisive operation to apprehend the primary suspect in the Malda Mothabari protest case. The arrest occurred at Bagdogra airport, where the accused, identified as Advocate Moffakkerul Islam, a former All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) candidate from the 2021 Bengal elections, was attempting to flee to Bengaluru alongside an associate.
Political Allegations and Claims of Defamation
During an election rally in Harirampur, Malda, Banerjee launched a scathing attack on multiple political entities. She asserted that the AIMIM was directly responsible for orchestrating the gherao (protest), with the Indian Secular Front (ISF) offering tactical backing. Furthermore, the Chief Minister alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress party played instigatory roles in the incident. "Do you know who caught the culprit of the incident in Mothabari? It was our CID, not the local police appointed by the Election Commission," Banerjee stated, highlighting that the arrest was made prior to the arrival of a National Investigation Agency (NIA) team.
Banerjee elaborated on her accusations, linking the events to broader political strategies. "In Bihar, they (AIMIM) assisted BJP by splitting votes. The riots in Malda two days ago were carried out by these people. It was pre-planned," she claimed. She emphasized the CID's proactive role, noting, "Even before NIA arrived, CID took decisive action. CID, still under my control, arrested the real culprit from Bagdogra." The CM framed the protest as part of a calculated plot to tarnish Bengal's reputation through organized acts, alleging that minorities are being provoked to later face harassment by central agencies like the NIA, CBI, and ED.
Allegations of Electoral Malpractice and External Interference
Expanding her critique, Banerjee raised serious concerns about electoral integrity and external interference in Bengal. She alleged that "outsiders" are entering the state with substantial cash, facilitated by Election Commission-appointed officers who are turning a "blind eye." "Outsiders are coming from Gujarat. I have received a voice recording. Our officials have been transferred so that miscreants can freely enter Bengal," she disclosed, warning that funds are being transported in CRPF vehicles and vowing to expose the details at an appropriate time.
The Chief Minister drew parallels to incidents in Bihar, claiming similar patterns are emerging in Bengal, including the influx of arms and drugs, alongside rampant money laundering. She also highlighted the misuse of central government agencies, accusing them of being deployed for political purposes. In a poignant addition, Banerjee referenced a recent lynching of a migrant laborer in Rajasthan, alleging that efforts are being made to prevent Bengali migrants from returning home by withholding train tickets and stopping buses in Uttar Pradesh.
Appeal to Newly Appointed Officials and Voter List Concerns
Banerjee addressed the extensive administrative changes in Bengal, noting that 483 officers have been transferred—a figure she contrasted with only 23 transfers across four other poll-bound states. She urged the newly appointed officials, including the former DG, CPs, DMs, and others, to resist acting on BJP instructions and instead focus on public service. "I urge them not to act per BJP's instructions. You don't need to support me; work for the people," she appealed, calling for measures to ensure peaceful voting and prevent riots, money laundering, and illegal activities.
Additionally, the CM raised alarms about voter list manipulations, alleging selective deletion of minorities, women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs), while outsiders are being added through stealthy submissions of Form 6. "They are stealthily submitting Form 6 because they don't trust the people of Bengal," Banerjee claimed, underscoring her commitment to justice and a return to normal governance post-elections.
