What Led to the Detention of Aam Janata Unnayan Party Leader Humayun Kabir During Bypolls?

In a dramatic turn of events during the West Bengal Assembly bypolls, Humayun Kabir, the chief of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, was detained after a confrontation with police at his party office. Kabir had been vocal about his grievances regarding police presence near his home and polling booths, accusing them of partisanship. The situation escalated into a scuffle, leading to his arrest shortly after he voted. This bypoll follows the vacancy of the Rejinagar seat, with Kabir's son contesting in the election. The political landscape is heating up as various candidates vie for the seat amidst ongoing tensions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 6, 2026, 10:14 IST

Tensions Rise in Rejinagar as Humayun Kabir is Detained

Rejinagar (WB): On Tuesday, Humayun Kabir, the leader of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, was taken into custody following a confrontation with law enforcement at his party's office in Rejinagar, West Bengal, where Assembly bypolls were taking place.

Kabir had been vocally criticizing the police throughout the day regarding their presence near his home and at polling locations. His detention occurred shortly after he voted alongside his family.

The police arrived at the AUJP office in response to Kabir's ongoing accusations against them.

A heated exchange ensued between Kabir and the officers, with the politician accusing them of being biased.

The situation escalated into a physical altercation, leading to police officers pulling Kabir by his shirt and escorting him to a vehicle.

From the start of the polling process, Kabir had expressed his discontent with the police presence. He claimed that a significant number of officers were stationed outside his residence as he went to vote.

After casting his ballot, he continued to criticize the police, alleging that they were attempting to intimidate voters.

This bypoll was called after the Rejinagar seat in Murshidabad district became vacant when Kabir, who had won both Rejinagar and Nowda in the 2026 Assembly elections, chose to retain the Nowda seat.

The AJUP has nominated his son, Golam Nabi Azad, for this election. The competition includes BJP candidate Sakharav Sarkar, TMC's Rabiul Alam Chowdhury, rival TMC candidate Safiuzzaman Sheikh, Congress's Mohammad Abdullahil Kafi, and CPI(M)'s Syed Asad Ali.

Polling is also taking place for the Nandigram Assembly seat.