18 arrested so far in connection with SIR officers hostage case: Police

West Bengal police have arrested 18 people in connection with the Malda case, where seven judicial officers were allegedly held hostage for hours amid violent protests. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in West Bengal's Malda district when a group of protesters, agitated over the alleged removal of names from the voter list during the Special Intensive Revision Process, held the officials captive before they were rescued. The Supreme Court raised questions about the incident, with the Chief Justice of India stating that it seemed to be a calculated and premeditated move. The situation in Malda remains volatile, particularly in areas adjoining the National Highway, where additional forms of rafting were set up and the police had to intervene to resolve the blockade.