Habibur Rahman Habib, 40, a suspect accused in a murder case, died in hospital after some time in police custody in Bogra Tuesday night following his arrest.
He was detained by the Bogra Detective Branch of police in the afternoon and later admitted to Bogra Muhammad Ali Hospital in an unconscious state.
He died around 9:30pm, sparking allegations of police torture.
Advocate Manjurul Haque, Habib's uncle, claimed that the DB detained his nephew and alleged that Habib was killed while in their custody.
DB (In-charge) Inspector Mostafiz Hasan contends that a woman named Monowara was arrested in connection with the murder of elderly woman Khuki Begum in Shahjahanpur.
Habib was brought to the DB office after his arrest, where he complained of chest pain and fell ill upon seeing Monwara. He was rushed to Bogra Muhammad Ali Hospital at 6:55pm but succumbed to his condition, despite receiving treatment.
Police officials denied any assault on the suspect.
Dr Shafiq Amin Kajal, resident medical officer of Bogra Muhammad Ali Hospital, confirmed that Habib was brought to the hospital in an unconscious state. He received treatment but passed away around 9:30pm.
The deceased, Khuki Begum, was the wife of Khorshed Alam, of Jora Talpukur village in Ashekpur union of Shahjahanpur upazila in Bogra.
She went missing on August 3, and her decomposed body was discovered in a lychee garden near her house on the morning of August 5.
Her legs were severed at the knees, indicating a brutal murder.
A murder case was filed at Shajahanpur police station, and the DB has been investigating the case.
According to Shajahanpur police station Officer-in-charge (OC) Shahidul Islam, a woman named Monwara, 60, from Jora Talpukur village was detained for questioning due to her suspicious behaviour. During interrogation at the DB office, she revealed the name of Habibur Rahman Habib, possibly linking him to the murder.
Witnesses and Bogra DB officials said Habib was arrested in front of the court around 5pm on Tuesday. He fell ill upon seeing Monwara and began complaining of chest pain. Despite prompt medical attention, he died at night.
DB officials maintain that Habib's death was due to a heart attack and not physical assault.
However, Habib's uncle, Manjurul Haque, a member of the Bogra Bar Association and a teacher at Bogra Law College, denied his nephew's involvement in any crime.
He said Habib was performing his duties and was arrested by the DB police when he left the court to keep files at his residence.
Manjurul claimed that Habib was taken to the DB office and subsequently killed, demanding legal action.
Later that night, police were preparing to transfer Habib's body to the Bogra Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College hospital morgue for autopsy.
