Suspected Accused Dies in DB Custody, Police Claim ‘Breathing Difficulty’

In Sirajganj, Shahadat Hossain Mukul (45), a suspect in a murder case, died while in the custody of DB police. The police claim he died due to breathing difficulties, but his family has accused the police of torture.

He passed away on Friday (21 November) at 4 pm while receiving treatment at the 250-bed Sirajganj General Hospital. Shahadat was the son of the late Khalil Hossain from Kalya Haripur village in Sadar Upazila.

Sirajganj Detective Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Siddiqul Rahman confirmed the death.

Police sources said that during the preliminary investigation of the murder of rickshaw driver Aminul in Ullapara, Shahadat Hossain was found to be involved. He was arrested on Friday morning from the city’s Bazar Station. During questioning, the stolen rickshaw battery of the deceased Aminul was recovered. Shahadat fell ill due to breathing difficulties and was admitted to the hospital, where he later died.

The case statement reveals that on 11 November, Aminul Islam was lured towards Ullapara by unknown assailants, murdered, and his body left under the Choukidah Bridge along with his rickshaw being taken. Aminul was the son of Aynal Sheikh from Char Malshapara in Sirajganj municipality.

Hospital emergency doctor Himadri Shekhar stated that when police admitted Shahadat to the hospital, there were injuries on his hands and feet. Police claimed it was due to public assault. Shortly after admission, he died due to cardiac arrest.

Sirajganj General Hospital in-charge Dr. Akikun Nahar Moni said the patient’s history mentioned public assault and there were visible injuries. He was also suffering from a breathing-related condition. The exact cause of death will be determined after the post-mortem, which is scheduled for Saturday (22 November) afternoon.

Shahadat’s elder brother, rickshaw driver Zahurul Islam, alleged that the DB police demanded five lakh taka and said his brother died due to assault and torture.

The deceased Aminul’s cousin, Md. Alek Sheikh, said Aminul, who usually operated his rickshaw in the city, was lured to Ullapara and murdered.

DB Sub-Inspector (SI) Nazmul Haque denied the allegations, stating that no suspect is tortured at the DB office. Shahadat sustained injuries while attempting to flee during arrest and was also assaulted by local people.

Additional Police Superintendent (Administration & Finance) Md. Mahbubur Rahman said a committee is being formed to investigate the incident.

Ullapara Model Police Station OC Md. Ekramul Hossain said Aminul’s body was recovered from under the Choukidah Bridge on 12 November. His father Aynal Sheikh filed a case, which is currently being investigated by the DB police.

Khaborwala/TSN