Saiful Islam Mondal, known as Madan, was taken into custody by Bengal Police on Saturday, the day after Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was seized. The arrest comes after authorities linked Mondal to several incidents of unrest during the last Assembly elections, according to a police statement. He is scheduled to be produced before a court on Sunday, where the prosecution will present evidence of his alleged involvement.
A Haldia court rejected Milan Pradhan’s bail plea, ordering him to serve 14 days of judicial custody until October 3. The decision follows a pattern of swift action against opposition figures in the region.
The move follows a broader crackdown on political candidates linked to electoral violence, a trend that has rattled local voters. Residents in Rejinagar say the arrests could sway the by‑election, with some fearing that the police may be targeting outspoken leaders.
Both cases will be heard in the same courtroom, where the judge will determine whether the evidence warrants continued detention. The results of these hearings are expected by the end of the week, setting the stage for the upcoming by‑poll.