Speaking to ANI, Shahdeo said, “In Malda, judicial officers were confined for nine hours by Trinamool Congress supporters under the directions of Mamata Banerjee. During this time, the officers were denied basic facilities such as food, milk, and access to toilets. The Chief Justice intervened personally, staying awake till 2 a.m. and making multiple calls, while senior judges from other states monitored the situation.”

He compared the situation to earlier authoritarian practices, stating, “Mamata Banerjee reminded me of Idi Ameen during his tenure, who reportedly hijacked the system and acted as he wished. Now, similar patterns are emerging in West Bengal.”

The BJP leader described the actions as “unprecedented in independent India” and added, “When wrongdoing accumulates, consequences follow, and Mamata Banerjee’s conduct is now under scrutiny.”

Meanwhile, ADG North Bengal K Jayaraman reported that 35 individuals have been arrested in connection with the Malda hostage incident. He stated, “We will take all steps to ensure violence is not repeated. People can protest, but we will not allow any violence. That’s for sure.”

Jayaraman further noted that officials are investigating the delay in the rescue operation, with a report to be submitted soon.

The incident began when seven judicial officers, including three women, were held hostage by villagers in Malda district on Wednesday. The standoff was triggered by mass deletions from the electoral rolls during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

The event formed part of widespread protests that paralysed Malda throughout the day, with demonstrators staging road blockades across national and state highways and key rural routes in at least five Assembly constituencies.

The Supreme Court described the incident as a brazen and deliberate attempt to obstruct justice. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed concern that despite prior notice, State authorities failed to provide timely protection, which resulted in officers being deprived of food or water for hours.

The court issued show-cause notices to senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director-General of Police, requiring explanations for their inaction. It directed the Election Commission to requisition and deploy adequate central forces to ensure the safety of judicial officers and the proper conduct of the SIR adjudication process.

The bench also mandated strict security measures at all relevant venues, restricted public entry, ordered an immediate assessment of threats to officers and their families, and required compliance reports. Senior officials were instructed to attend the next hearing virtually.