Explosive case filed against former RU Pro-VC

An explosive case has been filed naming former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Rajshahi University (RU) and current Pro-Vice Chancellor of Varendra University, Professor Dr. Ananda Kumar Saha, along with 148 Awami League leaders and activists. Additionally, 500 to 600 unidentified individuals have been accused in the same case for allegedly attacking general students during an anti-discrimination movement.

Boalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mostaq Ahmed confirmed that the case was filed on May 12 at the Boalia Model Police Station. The case includes charges of opening fire, causing serious injuries with sharp weapons, attempted murder by obstructing the march, and exploding cocktails (homemade explosives).

The complainant is Sijan (32), an active participant in the anti-discrimination movement. He is the son of Md. Sultan Sardar and Mrs. Rehena Parvin from Pobapara under Shah Makhdum Police Station in Rajshahi.

According to the case statement, under Sijan's leadership, on August 5 at around 12:30 PM, a protest march of more than 700 students, workers, and general citizens began from the Rajshahi Water Development Board intersection, heading toward Rajshahi city demanding the fall of the autocratic government. When the march reached the paved road near the office of Ward-24 Councillor Arman Ali in the Khorkhona Sanko area under Boalia Police Station, the accused—who were lying in wait—launched an attack.

The complaint further states that the attackers used handheld microphones to openly command that no member of the anti-discrimination protest be spared. Accused numbers 3 to 39 allegedly opened fire indiscriminately at the protesters. Near Ward-5 Councillor Arman Ali’s office, accused number 5 allegedly launched a surprise attack on Sijan with a sharp weapon intending to kill him, causing serious injuries below both knees and on his left elbow. Sijan cried out for help and was seriously injured at the scene.

Immediately afterward, accused numbers 40 to 148, along with unidentified individuals, allegedly exploded cocktails and attacked the peaceful protestors using sharp weapons, Chinese axes, GI pipes, and sticks in an effort to suppress the movement.

When asked for comment, Professor Ananda Kumar Saha said, “I have no knowledge of this. I was never at the scene. Someone might have a grudge against me and therefore included my name in the case. But so far, I know nothing about this.”

OC Mostaq Ahmed stated, “The case was recorded on May 12. We have started working on it. Legal actions will be taken accordingly.”