It was one’s flat refusal to part with the money allegedly demanded by the lawmen while another’s incapacity to comply with the demand cost the two dearly.
Such was the ordeal the two businessmen in Jessore went through and received serious gunshot wounds allegedly from police in the wake of their denial of meeting the demand.
The revelations came yesterday when the Dhaka Tribune correspondent talked to the injured traders – Salman Sikder Viky and Masudur Rahman – now admitted to National Orthopaedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Centre, running the risk of amputations of their legs.
The lawmen gave the version that they fired on them to repel their bomb attacks and branded them as the accused on police list.
The two injured traders claimed that they were not listed criminals and there were no cases against them with police station.
Salman Sikder Viky who deals in motor parts said: On June 15 night, some 10-12 policemen came to my house at Bejpara under Sadar police station and took me to Cacra area blindfolded.”
“They asked me to tell my father to part with Tk10 lakh to the police team led by Sub-Inspector Shoaib.”
Salman said as he turned down their demand outright and wanted to know the reason police started beating him mercilessly.
“The sub-inspector also told me if I was unable to pay the money he would make me lame forever, and as I denied again, he shot me in the left leg.”
Contacted, Reshma Sharmin, senior assistant superintendent of police (Sadar circle), said: “We had information that Salman was making preparation for hijack. We conducted a collective drive along with BGB. Sensing our presence he attacked us first and that is why we shot him.”
He was a listed terrorist in this area and locals were terrified for his act of terror, she said, adding that there were three cases filed against him earlier.
The other injured trader, Masudur Rahman, a fruiterer, in Monihar cinema hall area, was arrested on May 31.
Masudur said on the fateful day seven to eight plain-clothes policemen came to his shop and asked him to accompany them.
“As I asked the reason, SI Shoaib held me and forced me out of my shop. He took me to many places blindfolded and demanded Tk25 lakh.”
“How can I give you so much money being a mere fruit trader?” I asked the police official.
“Without paying any heed, he threatened to kill me in a crossfire if I fail to come up with the demand.”
Masudur said since he kept expressing his inability to give them the money, police allegedly shot him in the leg.
“Not only they shot me but also filed cases against me,” he added.
Asked about it, Reshma Sharmin said: “Masudur was an accused in eight cases and he runs a hijacking gang under the cover of his fruit business.”
In reply to a question about demanding bribe by SI Shoaib, she said after coming across the report published in different media they investigated the matter and found no proof of wrongdoing by the police official.
Shoaib, however, denied all allegations against him when asked. He said both the businessmen were terrorists and all in Monihar cineman hall area knew about their activities.
