Balurghat, April 3 -- Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Friday cast serious doubts over the timing and intent behind the arrest of alleged Malda violence mastermind Mofakkirul Islam, claiming it was a move to shield him from a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe.

Addressing reporters, Majumdar said,"The NIA investigation is going on as per the instructions of our Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner. Before that, the CID arrested him (Mofakkirul Islam). I have some doubts about this. Whether the arrest was made to actually arrest him or to save him, will be known after the investigation. Whether anyone else is involved or not, Trinamool Congress is definitely there. We have shown you all the photos of this Mofakkiru...