Kolkata, April 3 -- The Malda violence has triggered a major political showdown, with the arrest of alleged mastermind All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Mofakkarul Islam by the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) drawing sharp reactions from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee defended her government.

The West Bengal CID arrested advocate Mofakkarul Islam, identified as the alleged mastermind of the Kaliachak incident, from Bagdogra Airport while he was reportedly attempting to flee.

He has been accused of leading the April 1 protests in Malda, during which seven Special Intensive Revision (SIR) judicial officers were allegedly held hostage for over nine hours. ...