Rejinagar bypoll candidate Saiful Islam was arrested in a 2021 election clash case, a day after Nandigram candidate Milan Pradhan's arrest.

Introduction

West Bengal's upcoming Assembly bypolls have been hit by another arrest involving a contesting candidate. Independent candidate Saiful Islam, associated with the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) led by Humayun Kabir, was arrested on September 19 in connection with a five-year-old case linked to a clash during the 2021 Assembly elections, police said.

The arrest came a day after Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, who is contesting the Nandigram bypoll, was arrested in connection with old cases dating back to the 2007 land-acquisition agitation. The developments have brought renewed attention to the two October 6 bypolls in West Bengal.

Saiful Islam Arrested in 2021 Election Clash Case

According to police, Saiful Islam was arrested by officials from Berhampore police station in connection with a case originating from the 2021 Assembly election. Investigators said the case relates to a clash between two groups during that election period.

Islam is associated with the AJUP, which is led by Humayun Kabir. He is contesting the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll as an Independent candidate.

His arrest on September 19 came just one day after the arrest of Milan Pradhan, the Congress nominee for the Nandigram bypoll. The close timing of the two arrests has added another layer of attention to the election process.

Police Notice to Humayun Kabir

The police also issued a notice to AJUP chief Humayun Kabir on September 19, directing him to appear before investigating officers on September 21.

The notice relates to a case registered on September 14 over an alleged conspiracy to create tension between two communities. According to a senior police officer, the case followed the release of an audio recording during a press conference in Berhampore. Police said the conversation allegedly indicated a possible attempt to instigate communal tension.

The allegations remain subject to investigation and any subsequent judicial proceedings.

AJUP State Secretary Arrested

The developments involving the AJUP have also extended beyond the Rejinagar candidate.

AJUP state secretary Ashik Iqbal was arrested on September 18 during vehicle checking at a police picket in Murshidabad district, officials said. Police alleged that a large quantity of counterfeit currency and illegal arms was recovered from him.

The allegations and the circumstances surrounding the seizure will be dealt with through the legal process.

Milan Pradhan's Arrest in Nandigram

Saiful Islam's arrest followed the arrest of Congress candidate Milan Pradhan in Nandigram on September 18.

Pradhan was arrested in connection with pending cases linked to the 2007 anti-land-acquisition movement in Nandigram. Police subsequently produced him before a court, which sent him to judicial custody until October 3. Reports said the arrest was connected to four pending non-bailable warrants.

The timing became politically significant because Mamata Banerjee's faction had announced support for Pradhan in the Nandigram bypoll shortly before his arrest. Congress and Banerjee's faction questioned the timing, while police said the action was connected to pending warrants and not the bypoll itself.

Why Are Nandigram and Rejinagar Going to Polls?

The Election Commission has scheduled polling for Nandigram and Rejinagar on October 6, with counting scheduled for October 9.

The vacancies arose after Suvendu Adhikari and Humayun Kabir had won from two constituencies in the 2026 Assembly election and subsequently retained one seat each.

Adhikari had won both Nandigram and Bhabanipur and vacated Nandigram. Kabir had won both Rejinagar and Nawda and retained Nawda, resulting in the Rejinagar vacancy.

Key Highlights

• Independent Rejinagar candidate Saiful Islam was arrested on September 19, 2026.
• Police linked the arrest to a case involving a clash during the 2021 Assembly election.
• Islam is associated with the Humayun Kabir-led Aam Janata Unnayan Party.
• Police also issued a notice requiring Humayun Kabir to appear on September 21.
• The notice concerns an alleged conspiracy to create tension between two communities.
• AJUP state secretary Ashik Iqbal was separately arrested on September 18, according to officials.
• Congress's Nandigram candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested on September 18 in connection with old cases.
• Pradhan was later remanded to judicial custody until October 3.
• Voting in both Nandigram and Rejinagar is scheduled for October 6.
• Counting of votes is scheduled for October 9.

Professional Disclaimer & Third-Party Reference

This article is based on information reported by established third-party news organisations, including the Press Trust of India (PTI), Times of India, India Today, Indian Express and other publicly available reports. Details concerning criminal allegations, police investigations and pending cases are presented as reported and should not be interpreted as findings of guilt unless established by a competent court. Election dates and related procedural information are subject to official Election Commission notifications.

Conclusion

The arrests of Rejinagar candidate Saiful Islam and Nandigram candidate Milan Pradhan have added a significant legal dimension to West Bengal's October 6 Assembly bypolls. With investigations and court proceedings continuing, attention will remain focused on the candidates, political parties and the Election Commission as the constituencies move toward polling day.