B'baria SI withdrawn over crossfire threat

A sub-inspector of Akhaura Police Station was closed Thursday to district police lines over the allegation of extorting money from a local after threatening to kill him in crossfire.

Including the Sub-Inspector (SI) Matiur Rahman, a local Wednesday sued five policemen of Akhaura Police Station, accusing them for extortion and threat to kill in shootout.

Harun Mia of Masjidpara area of upazila filed the case with the court of Senior Judicial Magistrate.

Other accused of the case are -- SI Humayun Kabir, Assistant Sub-Inspector Khorshed and Constable Prashant and Constable Saikat.     

"One of the accused was already attached to the police lines due to ailments. The rest three are currently working at several districts. Concerned district police high-ups will take necessary action against them," requesting anonymity, a top district police official told The Business Standard.

The court Wednesday ordered the Superintendent of Police of Brahmanbaria to look into the allegation and submit a report within 30 working days.

According to the case statement, Harun protested the drug peddling of his neighbour Chikuni Begum and her two daughters. Being angered, she trapped with the help of the policemen.

On May 26, the five accused raided Harun's house and assaulted him. They later took Tk40,000 from the house, threatening to put in crossfire.

The complaint also stated that the five accused came back later on the same day and demanded Tk1 lakh scaring Harun of filing a narcotics case against him and killing him. To settle the matter, Harun paid Tk50,000 more to the police officers.

Harun said, "The police took money from me in phases threatening to put me in crossfire. I have filed the case with the court seeking justice."

Asked, Roish Uddin, additional superintendent of Police (Administration and Crime) in Brahmanbaria, said, "We have heard about filing of the case. But we have not received any document yet."