BJP's Pratul Shahdeo slammed Mamata Banerjee, comparing her to Idi Amin over the Malda hostage incident where judicial officers were held captive. The Supreme Court intervened, and police have arrested 35 people in connection with the case.
BJP Slams Mamata Banerjee, Draws 'Idi Ameen' Parallel
BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo on Friday strongly criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the recent Malda incident, where judicial officers were held hostage for nine hours allegedly by Trinamool Congress supporters. Speaking to ANI, Shahdeo said, "In Malda, judicial officers were confined for nine hours by Trinamool Congress supporters under the directions of Mamata Banerjee. During this time, the officers were denied basic facilities such as food, milk, and access to toilets. The Chief Justice intervened personally, staying awake till 2 a.m. and making multiple calls, while senior judges from other states monitored the situation."
He further drew a comparison to earlier authoritarian practices, stating, "Mamata Banerjee reminded me of Idi Ameen during his tenure, who reportedly hijacked the system and acted as he wished. Now, similar patterns are emerging in West Bengal." The BJP leader condemned the actions as "unprecedented in independent India." Shah Deo added, "When wrongdoing accumulates, consequences follow, and Mamata Banerjee's conduct is now under scrutiny."
Police Arrest 35, Probe Into Rescue Delay
Meanwhile, ADG North Bengal K Jayaraman has said that 35 people have been arrested till now in the Malda hostage incident. "We will take all steps to ensure violence is not repeated. People can protest, but we will not allow any violence. That's for sure," he said. He added that the officials are making an investigation into why there was a delay in the rescue, and a report will be submitted soon.
Supreme Court Takes Suo Motu Cognisance
This comes after seven judicial officers, including three women, were held hostage by villagers in Malda district on Wednesday. The standoff was triggered by mass deletions from the electoral rolls under the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. The incident was part of a broader wave of protests that paralysed Malda throughout the day, as demonstrators staged road blockades across national and state highways and key rural routes in at least five Assembly constituencies.
Earlier, the Supreme Court described the incident as a brazen and deliberate attempt to obstruct the administration of justice. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed concern that, despite prior intimation, the State authorities failed to provide prompt protection, leaving the officers without food or water for hours.
The court issued show-cause notices to senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director-General of Police, asking them to explain their inaction. It directed the Election Commission to requisition and deploy adequate central forces to ensure the safety of judicial officers and the smooth conduct of the SIR adjudication process. The bench also mandated strict security measures at all venues, restricted public entry, ordered an immediate assessment of threat perceptions to the officers and their families, and required compliance reports. It asked senior officials to be present virtually at the next hearing.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
