HC orders judicial probe, report in 30 days

The High Court yesterday directed Barguna's chief judicial magistrate to investigate a reported attack by local terrorists who forced 14 Hindu families off their houses and 40 acres of croplands in Taltoli upazila's Chandantala village, damaged the residences and looted goods in March.

In response to a writ petition, it also directed the magistrate to provide a report in 30 days mentioning what government measures had been taken afterwards and the prevailing situation.

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The HC bench of Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Abu Taher Md Saifur Rahman ordered the government to ensure security to the families by immediately setting up a police outpost in Chandantala.

It also issued a rule upon the government to explain why police failure to hold a fair investigation and take action against the perpetrators shall not be declared illegal.

Rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) submitted the petition yesterday, seeking necessary orders on the government to ensure security and rehabilitate the families and challenging legality of the police failure to provide security.

Petitioner's lawyer ZI Khan Panna told The Daily Star that ASK included with the petition a report based on its own inquiry. Two girls who had been raped cannot venture out of their homes, he added.