Electoral Roll Chaos: Arrests in Malda Stir Controversy

Seventeen individuals, including Indian Secular Front's Maulana Shahjahan Ali, were arrested in West Bengal for allegedly detaining judicial officials over electoral roll disputes. The incident led to Ali's claims of political framing as authorities continue their investigation, not dismissing potential further arrests.

Police in West Bengal have arrested 17 people, including a poll candidate, accused of detaining judicial officials in Malda district. This follows protests over the deletion of names from electoral rolls.

Among those apprehended is Maulana Shahjahan Ali, the Indian Secular Front candidate, who, along with others, was brought before a district court and remanded to 10 days in police custody. Authorities report concrete evidence linking the suspects to the incident.

Ali, however, claims political malice, denying involvement and asserting innocence. As investigations continue, police have not ruled out further arrests in the incident.

(With inputs from agencies.)