In a major development, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Mofakkerul Islam was arrested by the police at Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri. The arrest is linked to his active involvement in protests regarding the alleged deletion of names from the voters’ list.

Mofakkerul Islam had been spearheading a series of demonstrations in North Bengal, claiming irregularities in the electoral roll. According to police sources, he was wanted in connection with incidents of public nuisance and obstructing government officials during these protests. Acting on a tip-off, security agencies intercepted him at the airport on Friday just before he could board his flight.

The arrest of a prominent MIM face amidst the election atmosphere has triggered political tension in the region. While the party has condemned the move as an attempt to stifle dissent, the administration maintains that the arrest was necessary to ensure public order and comply with Election Commission mandates. He is expected to be produced in court shortly.