Police release 5 detainees over vandalism at DC Hill

Chattogram Kotwali police have released five persons, who were detained in connection with the vsndalism of Pahela Baishakh celebration stage, tearing apart banners, festoons in Chattogram's DC Hill area.

They are--Md Alamgir, 42; Md Nizam Uddin, 42; Md Rafiqul Islam, 53; Md Shah Alam, 65; and Md Faruk, 42.

Police said as no formal complaint was lodged against them, they were released early Monday after filing of a General Diary (GD).

However, police sources alleged that the police basically bowed to pressure. The five were picked up soon after the vandalism on Sunday (April 13) night. They identified themselves as BNP followers. Several top BNP leaders and activists gathered at the police station that night to rescue them from the police station. For this reason, the police released the detainees.

The OC said: "We detained the five people from the scene for questioning. There was no case against them. They said that about 20-25 angry people came to tear down banners and posters. But they did not tear them down. No charges were filed against them till night. So we released them in custody on the basis of GDs."

When asked who had released him in custody on the basis of the GD, he said: "We will have to see the GD."

Usually, in cases of such vandalism or suspicious detention, the police station sends the detainees to the court under Section 88 of the CMP. However, this time there was an exception. The OC avoided the matter without commenting on why the case was not filed under Section 88.

On Monday (April 14), the organizers announced that the New Year's Eve event would not be held again. That is why the CRB was empty of visitors on the first day of Baishakh.

City residents say that DC Hill has never been in such a miserable condition during the New Year.