200 seized cars left uncared-for in city police stations
Imrul Hasan
About 200 seized vehicles have been left uncared-for for years in city's different police stations. Most of these vehicles are now worn out as their valuable parts are either damaged or missing. A Toyota private car has been kept at the Mirpur Police Station for the last seven years. Totally covered with bushes, the car has already lost its major part into the ground. Another 14 private cars, 11 taxicabs, four autorickshaws and 15 motorcycles have also been kept there. At the Ramna Police Station, a Nissan Petrol car has been kept in the open space for the last two years. Some parts of this car have been damaged but it can still be repaired. Fourteen more private cars, seven taxicabs, four buses and two microbuses are also there. Sources said some of these vehicles have been kept there for six to eight years. This is a common scene in the city's all the police stations. The vehicles were seized by the police on various allegations including road accidents and use of those in criminal activities. Police said they have nothing to do with these vehicles as cases are pending with courts. "We have no right to do anything with these vehicles unless the cases are settled," a duty officer at the Dhanmondi Police Station said, asking not to be named. He said in some cases owners do not come to take the seized vehicles back. Lalbagh police seized a tempo in 1994 on allegation that it was used by a person involved in a murder case. When contacted, he said he was not accused in the case but he did not try to take the tempo back in fear of harassment. Another jeep has been kept at the Khilgaon Police Station for about a year. Police said the vehicle was seized during an operation of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and it was used by a Judo Dal leader who was killed in "crossfire." According to rules, police have to inform the court about seized car within 24 hours and send its registration number to every police station. If the owner does not come within six months, police can file a case in court, sources said. After the verdict of the court the magistrate orders the police station concerned to deliver the vehicle to its owner or to sell it in auction. But due to lengthy legal process, the police have to keep the vehicles for years without any maintenance. When contacted, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) SM Mizanur Rahman said, "We have no right to handle these vehicles. We act according to the court orders."
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