War crimes suspect AKM Yusuf was responsible for the killing of 60 Hindus, looting and arson at Ranjitpur of Khanpur in Bagerhat, a new prosecution witness told the International Crimes Tribunal 2 yesterday.
Bijoy Krishna, the 22nd witness in the case, gave his deposition after the defence completed cross-examination of previous witness Dilip Das. Both of them placed their statements on charge number two. Bijoy said the villagers had formed pro-liberation groups after March 7, 1971. After over two months, on May 13, they came to know that some razakars had been preparing to attack.
“On May 13, Yusuf’s accomplices came to the village and set the houses on fire. All of them who were on duty to protect the village from any attack retreated as they were not well prepared.”
After around four hours of the destruction, razakars had left the area while chanting the slogan “Yusuf Bhai Jindabaad.”
Bijoy said he and the villagers had seen many dead bodies lying here and there. The body of his younger uncle Sanatan Das was found beside his house.
The witness mentioned a monument on the Ranjitpur School ground, erected in memory of at least 24 martyrs.
His testimony remained incomplete, as the tribunal adjourned the proceedings until today.
Jamaat-e-Islami Leader Yusuf is facing 13 counts of crimes against humanity, including genocide, murders, arson attacks, abduction, torture in confinement and forced conversion and deportation of Hindus in different areas accross the Bagerhat district.
