Dhaka – Saiful Islam, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Baufal circle) of Patuakhali was involved in torturing an accused, Hafizur Rahman Bijoy, at the police station on February 12, according to a probe report conducted by the police as per the High Court order.Inspector General of Police AKM Shahidul Hoque on Sunday submitted the probe report before the HC bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah. The HC bench is likely to pass its order on Monday.
In the report, the IGP said two police officials jointly conducted the investigation into the allegation brought against the ASP and found him guilty. They are: Additional Superintendent of Police Abul Hossain Modol and Inspector Helal Uddin.
In their probe report, it was mentioned that after conducting investigation over the incident they have found the involvement of ASP Saiful Islam in torturing the accused Hafizur Rahman.
“During the investigation, it has been proved that ASP Saiful beat Hafizur severely after taking him to the officer-in-charge’s room at the Baufal Police Station in Patuakhali,” the probe report said.
On February 27, the HC bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah ordered the immediate withdrawal of assistant police super (Bauphal circle) of Patuakhali Saiful Islam over the torture of an accused in police custody.
It also asked police to provide security to the family of victim Hafizur Rahman Bijoy, son of Shamsul Haque Khan of Kolta village in Bauphal upazila.
It asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the incident and submit a report before it on March 19.
Earlier in the day, the ASP and officer-in-charge of Bauphal Police Station Azam Khan Faruki placed their explanations appearing before the court.
The court exempted the two police officials from personal appearance.
On February 20, the High Court summoned the ASP and the OC to explain the torture of an accused in police custody.
In response to a petition filed by victim’s mother Jesna Begum, the HC also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why any legal action would not be taken against the alleged police officials and why compensation should not be given to the victim.
The Home secretary, IGP and deputy inspector general of police (DIG) of Barisal zone had been asked to respond to the rule.
On February 14, a report headlined ‘Torture in Bauphal OC’s room’ was published in a newspaper. – Staff Reporter
