Days after the arrest of Tajimul Islam alias ‘JCB’ in connection with the public flogging of a couple, the police have arrested another local Trinamool Congress leader in connection with an assault case. According to sources, the arrested accused was also involved in allegedly holding similar 'Salishi Sabha' (Kangaroo court). Police said Mohammad Khalek alias ‘Matal’ was arrested on Thursday night. On Friday, Khalek was produced at a local court in Islampur, Uttar Dinajpur district, which sent him to police custody for three days. Khalek is the brother of Abdul Haq, a former TMC leader who was suspended from the party. Speaking to The Express over phone on Friday, Joby Thomas, Superintendent of Police, Islampur police district said, “There was a specific complaint against the accused. of assaulting a person. Therefore, we arrested him. The accused also has other pending cases against him. However, if anyone has any proof that he used to hold kangaroo courts, they should come forward and we will investigate.” The police have invoked several sections against the accused, including 365 (kidnapping), 342 (illegal confinement), (assault ), 307 (attempt to murder) of the IPC, apart from the Arms Act, among others. After the arrest of Tajimul Islam, a section of local residents of Sujali Gram Panchayat under Islampur police station limits launched an agitation against the local two TMC leaders - Mohammad Khalek and his brother Abdul. They alleged that, like JCB, Khalek used to hold Salishi Sabha (Kangaroo Court) apart from assault and other atrocities. On Thursday evening, villagers of Sujali sat in protest in front of Ramgunj Police Outpost of Islampur Police Station, after which the police filed an FIR against Khalek. After getting a formal complaint, police arrested Khalek from his residence at Sujali. A local resident told The Indian Express, “Khalek and his brother have been conducting Salishi Sabha for years. Apart from physical punishment, the duo used to impose heavy fines. They also grabbed many plots of land through such Sabhas and threatened common people. We were always in fear of them. After 'JCB' was arrested, we got the courage to file a complaint against them.” Abdul Haq is absconding, police sources said. Abdus Sattar, a member of the TMC Anchal Committee, said, “For a long time, Khalek and his brother Abdul have been behind atrocities on local people. We demand that Abdul Haq should also be arrested.”
