The orchestrator of the hostage crisis in Malda has declared his intention to persist in protesting against the removal of voter names in Bengal. Speaking to journalists after appearing in court on Friday, the AIMIM leader and lawyer was apprehended at Bagdogra airport in Siliguri while attempting to escape.
In Bengali, Islam affirmed, “Protests will endure until the voters’ names under adjudication are included in the list.”
When questioned about any political affiliation guiding his actions, he adamantly denied any such influence, asserting that his actions were solely for the benefit of the public.
Islam refuted allegations of incitement and challenged reporters to provide evidence to support such claims. Additionally, he dismissed accusations made by Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of Bengal, suggesting he was being manipulated by the BJP, citing a lack of evidence.
A total of 19 individuals, including Islam, have been arrested in connection with the incident on April 1, where seven judicial officers were reportedly held hostage for approximately nine hours at the Kaliachak II Block Development Office in Malda. Among the hostages was a five-year-old child of one of the officers. These officials were responsible for re-evaluating voters placed under adjudication following the release of the final SIR list.
The hostages were rescued around 1 am by law enforcement. A viral video captured Islam openly challenging senior government officials, questioning their whereabouts.
Although Bengal Police sources confirmed Islam’s presence on the final list, the incident has fueled political tensions between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP in election-bound Bengal. While the TMC accused Islam of being a BJP operative, the BJP alleged that he had close ties with several ruling party members.