At least 50 people, including seven police officers, have been accused in a case filed over torture and bribery in Sirajganj.
According to court sources, Rupbati Union Parishad unit Awami Sweccha Sebak League President Advocate Habibur Rahman filed the case with a Sirajganj court over the torture of men and harassment of women in Shelchapri village on November 2.
The sources said a team of police led by Shahzadpur police station OC Khaza Golam Kibria forcefully entered the house of Habibur Rahman, and demanded Tk5 lakh in bribes from his younger brother Mizanur Rahman, the union parishad unit Jubo League secretary.
The police allegedly detained the Jubo League leader, tortured men, and harassed women when their demands for bribes were rejected.
Upon learning of the incident, locals rushed to the house and freed Mizanur from the police.
According to the case, no arrest warrant had been issued against any members of Mizanur Rahman’s family.
On the other hand, the OC Khaza Golam Kibria said they had gone to the village on November 2 as an arrest warrant had been issued against Mizanur by a court.
“However, when we tried to detain Mizanur, a group of locals came and helped him escape,” he added.
Police have filed a case against 82 people over the escape, the OC further said.