Man dies in police custody in Faridpur; family claims torture

A man, who was on a four-day remand in a case filed over the April 5 violence in Saltha upazila of Faridpur, died in police custody early today.

Deceased Md Abul Hossain (46) of Gopaldi village in Saltha upazila was accused in the case filed on charges of attacking police and preventing them from discharging their duties during the violence.

After he was arrested in the case on April 16, the Detective Branch (DB) of police took him on five-day remand on April 28.

Md Alimujjaman, superintendent of police in Faridpur, said Abul Hossain's five-day remand was on. He felt sick and wanted to go to bathroom around 5:00am today.  After he was taken to bathroom, he didn't respond for a long time. Then, on-duty police opened the door and found him lying on the floor."

Police took him to Faridpur General Hospital where on-duty doctor declared him dead, the SP said.

Md Tofazal Hossain, on-duty doctor of Faridpur General Hospital said, "Abul Hossain died before police brought him to the hospital around 6:00am."

The SP said, "A four-member probe committee has been formed with Jamal Pasha, additional superintendent of police in Faridpur, as its head to investigate the incident."

The body of Abul Hossain was sent to Faridpur Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy, the SP said.

However, family claimed that police killed Abul Hossain during interrogation.

His daughter Tania Aktar said, "Police killed my father in remand. My father was not a supporter of any political party. He was at home during the violence on April 5."

Talking to media, Md Khairuzzaman, chairman of Sonapur Union Parishad, said, "Abul Hossain was not involved in politics."

On April 5, a mob set fire to Saltha upazila nirbahi officer's office and two government vehicles after officials trying to enforce Covid-19 guidelines at a tea stall sparked unrest.