Police arrested the prime suspect in connection with the attack on poet Radhapada Roy from Kurigram town on Wednesday afternoon.
The arrestee is Md Rafiqul Islam, 35, son of Mohammad Ali of Kachuapara village in Kurigram’s Nageshwari upazila, said Superintendent of Police (SP) Mahfuzul Islam.
Two brothers- Rafiqul and Kadu Mia had an argument with Radhapada Roy over a loan of Tk500 his son had taken seven months ago. At one point, Md Rafiqul Islam hit Radhapada Roy with a stick, leaving him injured.
Later, Radhapada Roy's son and relatives rescued him and admitted him to Nageshwari Upazila Health Complex.
His son Jugal Roy filed a case accusing Md Rafiqul Islam and others.
Police are trying to arrest another accused Kadu Mia, said the SP.
Nageshwari Police Station Officer-in-charge (OC) Ashiqur Rahman said that the arrestee would be produced before a court after interrogation.
"Efforts are on to nab the other accused," he added.
Twenty five eminent citizens of the country condemned the attack on poet Radhapada Roy and demanded speedy trial of the attackers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, they said the incident of brutality against poet Radhapada Roy is not an isolated event. Almost every day, there are reports of assaults on cultural figures occurring somewhere in the country.
According to family members, Radhapada Roy now is doing well. He is currently receiving treatment at the upazila health complex.
Rural poet Radhapada Roy suffered injuries after being assaulted at Madhaikhal village in Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram on Saturday.
According to police, the poet went to a canal near his home on Saturday morning to fish. As per Kadu Mia's instruction, Rafiqul beat the poet with a bamboo stick and fled the scene after locals rushed in.
