Dhaka – The High Court yesterday directed the government to immediately withdraw the officer-in-charge (OC) Ziaul Morshed Sub-Inspector Md Mahatab Hossain of Madaripur Sadar police station for keeping two mothers in custody and keeping outside their babies.The HC bench also asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to submit a report before it by May 8 after conducting an investigation over the incident.
The HC bench comprising Justice Quazi-Reza-ul Haque and Justice Mohammad Ullah came up with the orders after hearing the explanation of the two police officials.
Earlier, in the morning the duo appeared before the HC bench to submit their explanation in accordance with its previous directive.
In response to a public interest litigation filed by a Supreme Court lawyer Advocate Rana Kawser, the HC bench on March 21 summoned the two police officials for detaining two mothers and kept them in the police station for about 13 hours after keeping their babies outside from their mothers.
Kawser filed the petition after attaching some newspapers reports that stated SI Mahtab Hossain on March 12 at about 10.00am went to Laxmiganj area for investigating a land related dispute. During the investigation Mahtab wanted to know from a local Ponir Hossain about the land dispute. But, Ponir told police that he did not know anything about the matter.
But, SI Mahtab slapped Ponir and locked in debate with Ponir. At one stage of argument between Ponir and Mahtab the later brought three vehicle police from the station and created mayhem at the house of Ponir.
Police assaulted Ponir and his elder brother and vandalized their valuable properties during the anarchism.
Later, police picked up Zunu Begum, wife of Ponir and Aklima Begum, wife of elder brother of Ponir. But, three-month baby of Zunu Begum and 18-month old baby of Aklima Begum were not taken with them. However, police released them after taking signature in a blank page at about 12.00am, according to the report. – Staff Reporter
