Police in Narail’s Kalia upazila are searching for a man who was freed from custody after a group allegedly attacked officers during an operation in the Naragati area. Four people have since been arrested in connection with the incident, while the handcuffs used on the suspect were later recovered.
The incident took place at Putimari Bazar at around 6.45pm on Tuesday, 22 September. Several police officers, including Sub-Inspector (SI) Murad Hossain, were injured in the attack.
According to police and local sources, a team from Naragati Police Station, led by SI Murad Hossain and Assistant Sub-Inspector Hasan, was conducting an operation at Putimari Bazar. During the operation, officers arrested Md Esken Sheikh, 40, after allegedly finding drugs in his possession. He was handcuffed following the arrest.
Esken, son of Bablu Sheikh of Putimari village, is described by police as a known drug dealer. He is also wanted in several cases involving arms and drugs, according to the authorities.
News of his arrest reportedly prompted a group of people to confront the police. Police alleged that Esken’s brothers, Nayan Sheikh and Sajal Sheikh, and his father, Bablu Sheikh, led the group. The attackers allegedly arrived carrying locally made weapons and sticks before launching an assault on the officers.
During the confrontation, SI Murad Hossain was reportedly beaten with sticks on his neck, back and hands. Several other members of the police team were also injured. Taking advantage of the assault, the group allegedly freed Esken while he was still wearing the handcuffs.
Police have accused several other people of being involved in the attack. They include Esken’s maternal cousin Hridoy Molla, neighbour Al Amin Sheikh, former Thana Sramik League general secretary Mizanur Molla, Taju Sheikh, Shamim Shikdar, Hafizur Rahman and Russell Sheikh.
Additional police personnel were sent to the area after news of the attack reached the station. They brought the situation under control and arranged medical treatment for the injured officers.
Police later launched an overnight operation in Putimari village and arrested four people. They were identified as Hamin Sheikh and Tamim Sheikh, both sons of Al Amin Sheikh; Sourav Sheikh, son of Said Sheikh; and Jasim Fakir, son of Amroz Fakir.
The handcuffs that went missing during the incident were recovered the following morning. At around 9am on Wednesday, 23 September, police found the handcuffs cut apart near the gate of the Putimari Eidgah ground.
Naragati Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Hossain Ali confirmed the incident. He said the missing handcuffs had been recovered and four people had already been arrested over the attack.
A case is being prepared over the alleged assault on police and the freeing of the detained suspect, according to the officer. Police are continuing efforts to locate Esken Sheikh and arrest others allegedly involved in the incident.
