Angry locals held a few policemen captive on an accusation of abducting and killing a local resident in Majbari union under Kalukhali upazila of Rajbari.
Rabiul Biswas, 32, a small businessman and father of three, who his wife says was abducted by local miscreants and police Friday night, was found dead in a local waterbody Saturday morning.
“Police came barging in our home Friday night. They handcuffed Rabiul and took him away. They were accompanied by local thugs,” said Sabana Begum, Rabiul’s wife.
The next morning, Rabiul’s body was found in a local waterbody— Monar Beel in Betbaria village around 8:30am on Saturday.
Police alleged to Rabiul’s family that he tried to escape their custody and jumped in the water, causing him to drown.
Locals, enraged by the incident, apprehended a few policemen for their alleged involvement in the murder and came down on them with sticks.
The villagers also chased away Kalukhali police OC Kamrul Hasan and Assistant Superintendent of Police (Pangsha) Labib Abdullah when they arrived at the scene.
Later, additional police deployed at the scene charged batons to disperse the crowd and brought the situation under control.
Victim’s brother Aktar Biswas, who was also arrested with Rabiul Friday night, said he had jumped into the Monar Beel to save himself from the thugs accompanied by police.
He managed to escape but Rabiul was killed by the thugs, he added.
Rabiul's uncle Md Miraj said: “The incident occurred as a sequel to previous enmity among local thugs in the area. We believe the police aided the murder. We want justice for Rabiul’s murder.”
Md Habib, a member of ward 6 of Majbari Union, said: “I came to visit after I heard the news. A proper investigation into the incident is required.”
Kalukhali police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Kamrul Hasan said: “We have recovered the body and after the inquest report we sent it to Rajbari Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy. Action will be taken against those involved in the incident.”
Rajbari Additional Superintendent of Police Md Salauddin said: “I have visited the spot after receiving the news. The villagers were agitated because of a misunderstanding. The culprits will be brought to book after a proper investigation into the incident.”
