Man fleeing police drowns in river in Jhalakathi

The body of a man was recovered from the Sugandha River in Jhalakathi Sadar upazila yesterday morning, said Jashim Uddin, sub-inspector (SI) of Jhalakathi Sadar Police Station.

The deceased was identified as Sumon, 30, son of Sikandar Ali of Bansh Potti in the upazila.

Sumon had been missing since he was chased by police on Sunday evening, said Jamal Hossain, elder brother of Sumon, adding that there was no case against Sumon with Jhalakathi Police Station.

"Sumon ran away when he was called by the SI on Sunday at around 5:30pm at Tarkari Potti and the officer followed him," said Kabir, a neighbour of the victim.

"When Sumon reached the bank of the Sugandha the SI caught him from behind and kicked him into the river. Smuon didn't know how to swim," said Kabir.

"Being informed, Sumon's family members went to the spot and found nothing, but they were certain that he had fallen into the river," said Jamal.

The body was handed over to family members after autopsy at Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital.

"A case was filed against Sumon under the Pornography Act on Sunday afternoon by a retired school teacher and I was the investigation officer of the case," said SI Jashim.

"I was going to my home in the afternoon and saw Sumon, but he fled when I ran after him to arrest him, but I did not follow him to the river bank," he added. "I do not know anything else," he said.

"Sumon was an accused in a case and he dived into the river when police tried to arrest him," said Md Mahe Alam, officer-in-charge of Jhalakathi Police Station, adding that they would look into the death to see if there was any other cause.