Puthia traders call indefinite strike

They also demanded immediate release of Selim Sarder, general secretary of Jhalmalia Bazar Traders' Association.

The strike call came from an urgent meeting of the traders held on Friday night after receiving the news of torture on Selim.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Although police denied the charges of torture, they took Selim to Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital for first aid before producing him to a magistrate's court.

Rajshahi police super told The Daily Star that they are probing the allegations and action would be taken if anyone found guilty.

Puthia circle ASP Alamgir Kabir, who was blamed for the torture, told this correspondent that it was Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) members who beat the business leader during his arrest.

"The issue of beating Selim in police custody is political as local Awami League leaders were found involved on Friday's clashes with the BNP men," he added.

Some 100 businessmen and villagers were injured in the clash that erupted after the local BNP cadres led by Ashraf attacked them for realising toll.

Police recorded four cases accusing a total of 57 people by name.