NIA arrests 2 Congress leaders in Malda’s Mothabari case, party candidate questioned

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two Congress leaders from Malda in connection with the Mothabari incident, intensifying its probe into the case involving alleged obstruction of officials during election-related work. The arrested individuals have been identified as Shahadat Hossain and Asif Sheikh, taking the total number of arrests in the case to three so far.

According to police sources, the two leaders were summoned for questioning on Sunday, during which investigators reportedly found inconsistencies in their statements. Based on these discrepancies, both were taken into custody. Earlier, another accused, Golam Rabbani, had also been arrested in connection with the same case.

The investigation also extended to political representatives, with Congress candidate from the Mothabari Assembly constituency, Sayem Chowdhury, being questioned at length by the agency. He was later released. The case relates to an incident in which officials were allegedly confined and obstructed while carrying out SIR-related duties in the area.

The NIA has registered multiple cases in connection with the incident, following directions from the Supreme Court. Charges include attempt to murder, wrongful confinement, unlawful assembly, assault on government officials, obstruction of public duty, vandalism, criminal intimidation, and prolonged blockade of a national highway. The probe remains ongoing as investigators continue to examine the role of individuals linked to the incident.