Who tortured the trader?
Rab, police refute charges but Selim shifted to RMCH from Rajshahi jail in critical condition
Staff Correspondent, Rajshahi
A traders' association leader, arrested by Rab (rapid Action battalion) on May 27 and allegedly tortured by police, have been admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) in a critical condition.Rajshahai jail authorities shifted Selim Sarder to RMCH on Tuesday as his condition deteriorated, sources said. Selim, general secretary of Jhalmalia Bazar Businessmen's Association, was handed over to Putia police after arrest. Doctors at RMCH found Selim's toes, knees, fingers of right hand critically fractured and mussels in the back and lower part of his body mangled in several areas, sources at the hospital claimed. His condition is serious and we are thinking to send him to the Orthopaedic Hospital in Dhaka, a doctor told this correspondent yesterday seeking anonymity. Rab arrested Selim after several hundred traders clashed with local BNP activists protesting toll collection. At least 100 people were injured in the clash. Selim told his fellow traders that he was beaten severely by five policemen including Puthia Circle ASP Alamgir Kabir. "They (police) hit him on bone-joints with hockey sticks and batons on the night of May 27 and did not provide any treatment till noon on the following day", Selim's brother Abu Bakkar Siddik said quoting him. Siddiq, also Puthia Municipal Awami League president, alleged that his brother was tortured to avenge chasing the BNP toll collectors. He also claimed that the two police officials are loyal to a local BNP lawmaker. Talking to The Daily Star, Rajshahi Police Superintendent Abdullah Al Mahmud said the allegations will be investigated if any complaint is lodged and action would be taken against the persons responsible. When contacted, ASP Alamgir Kabir refuted the allegation of torture in custody. He might have been tortured during arrest, he said. The allegation of torture in custody is politically motivated, he said. He, however, admitted that he and the OC were chased and injured during the May 27 clash. Sub-inspector Mukul of Puthia thana filed a case against 30 businessmen for assaulting police during the violence. Meanwhile, traders at Jhalmalia Bazar observed a three-day strike protesting the violence. A Rab official when contacted yesterday denied the allegation that Selim was tortured during arrest.
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