PM Modi Condemns Malda Judicial Officers Gherao

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the gherao of judicial officers in West Bengal’s Malda district, describing the incident as a reflection of a Trinamool Congress-sponsored maha jungle raj. Speaking at a public meeting in Cooch Behar on April 5, 2026, the Prime Minister asserted that the state government does not view constitutional institutions as significant.

The incident occurred on April 1, 2026, in Mothabari, Malda, where seven judicial officers were surrounded by a mob. These officers were engaged in the adjudication process of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The judicial officers were held hostage for several hours before being rescued by the police.

Legal and Investigative Actions

Following the incident, 35 individuals have been arrested. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation of the case. Among those arrested by the West Bengal police is the prime accused, Moffakerul Islam, who previously contested the 2021 Assembly polls from Itahar as a candidate for the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen.

Prime Minister Modi highlighted the severity of the situation by noting that the highest court in the country had to intervene. He questioned the safety of common citizens under a government where even judges are not secure.

Political Campaign and Allegations

The Prime Minister’s remarks come ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. He has positioned the upcoming polls as a contest between the bhay (fear) spread by the ruling party and the bharosa (trust) offered by the BJP. Modi further alleged that the Trinamool Congress is opposing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the SIR to protect infiltrators, claiming that demographic changes have occurred in the border areas of West Bengal.

The law-abiding citizens were shocked by the manner how judicial officers were held hostage in Malda. What kind of a government it this that even judges are not safe. How can you expect safety of common people from such a government.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The political tension extends beyond West Bengal. In Assam, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed election rallies on April 5, 2026, alleging that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is the most corrupt CM in India and stating that action would be taken against him if the Congress forms a government in the state.

Regional Election Context

The events are part of a broader election cycle involving multiple states. In Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin stated in an interview with The Hindu that surrendering state rights to the Centre is against democratic principles. He expressed confidence in the DMK government’s welfare schemes and manifesto.

preparations for Assembly polls are underway in Wayanad, Kerala. The political climate across these regions is characterized by sharp exchanges between the BJP, Congress, and regional parties as they campaign for the 2026 elections.