A few days after the incidents of arson, in which around 20 houses and a government rest house were set ablaze allegedly by Morcha supporters, the police had attempted to arrest Pradhan from Bagdogra airport while he was waiting with GJM president Bimal Gurung to board a Delhi-bound flight. They were, however, allegedly stopped by their superiors after Gurung threatened the government with widespread agitation in the Hills.

Police say Pradhan led the mob that ran riot in Rohini after the murder of Subodh at the DGHC rest house, but they could not arrest him as they were advised restraint.

Darjeeling SP Rahul Srivastav said the police had applied for the warrant on Monday, but were yet to receive the order from the court.

Meanwhile, five persons have been arrested for the assault outside the Kurseong court on the accused in the Subodh murder case. The attack by Morcha supporters left four of them seriously injured. The fifth accused, Nirmal Diyali, managed to escape in the melee and is absconding.