Former Trinamul Congress MLA and strongman of Bhangar Arabul Islam was finally arrested for allegedly orchestrating an attack on CPI(M) MLA Abdur Rezzak Mollah at Kantatala in Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district on January 6. Mr Mollah had to be admitted at a private city hospital where he is still being treated.
Mr Islam was arrested from near Parama Island on E.M. Bypass and four non-bailable charges under the IPC, Arms Act and Indian Explosives Act were slapped against him. He was also booked for seven more cases. Mr Islam was produced at the Baruipur sub-divisional court under tight security. The court sent him to five days’ police custody.
District police superintendent Pravin Tripathi informed that various non-bailable charges have been slapped on him, including that of rioting, property destruction, and attempt to murder.
The charges were framed after two FIRs were filed against Mr Islam: On January 6 for attacking the CPI(M) MLA at Kantatala and, on January 8, for opening fire at the protest rally organised by CPI(M) local supporters at Bamanghata. In response to the first FIR, the police booked him under Sections 147, 148, 149, 323, 325, 427 of the IPC, Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act and Indian Explosive Act. For the second FIR, the police booked him under IPC Sections 307 and 326.
Mr Islam was first taken to the Baruipur court from where he was taken to the Baruipur sub-divisional hospital for medical intervention after which he was produced at the court. The police had pressed for seven days’ custody.
Huge contingent of the police was deployed outside the Baruipur court as well as in Bhangar. Shops at Bhangar were closed down this afternoon in fear of repercussions due to the arrest of the strongman of the area. When asked about his arrest, despite senior party leaders and state ministers standing by him, Mr Islam said: “I will not comment on the police action. But I do not know whether there will be peace in Bhangar.”
It maybe recalled that the CPI(M) had demanded Mr Islam’s arrest within 48 hours of the attack on Mr Mollah. However, top leaders of Trinamul Congress had come out in support of their party comrade.