A police (SI) is being investigated over allegations he tortured and physically assaulted women and other villagers in Barakandi Village of Sirajganj.
According to sources, the investigation into SI Ashfak Rahman was launched on the order of the Sirajganj Superintendent of Police, Tutul Chakrabarty.
It follows a written complaint submitted by villagers to the office of the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of police (Rajshahi Range) on September 9.
The allegations appear to stem from a two-day clash between residents of Barakandi Village and nearby Dhaleshwar Village over the harassment of a woman on August 17 and 18.
A policeman was also hassled during the clash, from which five cases were filed.
On August 26, a police team led by SI Ashfak conducted a drive in Barakandi Village to arrest suspects over the clash.
There are allegations that that the SI engaged in torture, vandalism and physical assault on women and other villagers that night.
The senior assistant superintendent of police (Kamarkhand Circle), Md Atoar Rahman, began investigating SI Ashfakur Rahman on Friday and had already collected deposition and testimony of eight of the alleged victims at his office.
“I have collected deposition of some victims as part of the investigation,” IO Atoar Rahman said.
Responding to allegations that SI Ashfak had threatened those who gave deposition as they were returning home, the IO said: “SI Ashfak visited my office while I was taking statements. The villagers might have felt threatened by his presence.”
The Dhaka Tribune tried to reach SI Ashfak by phone for his comments on the matter, but he rejected the call.
