2 ‘TMC workers’, a CPM leader’s nephew and 2 who work outside Malda

One of six brothers whose families share a house in Beliadanga by the highway. “On January 3 (when a rally was followed by mob violence at the police station), we weren’t there but in Adira for a picnic,” said Lalu’s brother Nazrul. Police came the following night. “We told them Lalu is a Trinamool worker but they took him away,” Nazrul said. Lalu, who has a tea stall, is married with two daughters.

Gaffar Sheikh, 30

A Trinamool worker as described by his wife Fatima Sheikh, 26. He is manager and supervisor of a brick kiln in Sultangunj and lives in a concrete house, recently painted parrot green. “That day he worked at the kiln. He never went to the rally,” Fatima said. When police arrived at night, she said, “one of them pointed a gun at my child.” They have four daughters and two sons.

Md Rashidul Haque, 24

His uncle Abdul Rauf is a CPM leader among the accused for the attack; Rauf’s wife Shefali Khatoon is a former CPM sabhadipati. Abdul Khair, Rashidul’s father and Rauf’s brother, said he has been estranged from his brother for 14 years but alleged police tried to target the family. “Rashidul is a labour contractor,” his mother Nooressa Bibi said.

Ekhlasur Rahman, 40

Ekhlasur, who deals in timber, is also the chief of Asir Hajipara locality of Beliadanga village. His neighbour Rab Momin said they felt as if someone had died in the area. “Ekhlasur was the chief of the area and had judged many disputes. It is such an insult to a respectable family like his that the police should come and arrest him,” Rab said.

Motiur Rahman, 30

He is one of Delhi’s countless migrant workers and had arrived home at Churiwala More three days before the rally. “He did participate in the rally but he was not among those who ransacked the police station,” said his wife Ayera Bibi, standing outside her home with her four children. She said her husband had no time for any political activity.

Benarul Sheikh, 24

The construction labourer’s meagre earnings sustain five sisters and a brother in Sultangunj. He went to Delhi and Jodhpur for work but fell ill and returned. “He was weak and often in bed, including on the day of the rally,” said his elder sister Zaitun Bibi. He has been admitted to the Malda jail hospital. His mother Aulo Bewa said he was not interested in politics but did cast his vote.

Md Ashadul Haque, 37

Originally from North Dariyapur, he works as a quack with a clinic in Kaliachak and lives with his parents, brother, wife and two children. “We know him as a TMC supporter but he never participated in any of the party’s rallies. He did take part in the Kaliachak rally,” one of his friends said.

Farooque Sheikh, 43

Works in Jodhpur as a mason. His wife Firo said he was at home in Sultanganj that day, unwell. “On January 4, police also wanted to arrest our son Aliul but let him be when I fell on my knees to plead that he is appearing for his class X finals,” said Firo. They have a daughter and another son.

Jabdul Sheikh, 30 | Sinnat Sheikh, 25

Brothers, they live in Guduagram village, 15 km from Kaliachak police station. “Jabdul had gone for a picnic with friends to Farakkah barrage. Sinnat was at home, tending to cattle,’’ said Idul Sheikh, the third of five brothers. “We tried to argue with the police but they abused us and threatened to shoot our children if we resisted,” said Jabdul’s wife Seba Biwi. Sinnat’s wife Rajina Bibi said the family has never had any political affiliations.

Badruddin Momin, 37 | Imran Sheikh, 20

These two were arrested days after the first 10 arrests. Badruddin, of Churiwala More, erects pandals for a living. The Indian Express found three children playing in the damp, 80 sq ft house.”Maa has gone to visit Baba. I am taking care of my siblings,” said Samiul, 9, the eldest. Imran, a daily labourer, was arrested from Baliadanga. Police said he has admitted attending the rally but denied attacking the police station.