OC among five police officer withdrawn over assault on Swechchhasebak Dal leader in Rangpur

Five police personnel, including the officer-in-charge (OC) of Rangpur Metropolitan Kotwali Police Station, have been withdrawn (closed) and attached to police lines following allegations that a Swechchhasebak Dal leader was beaten inside the police station premises.

The incident took place on Wednesday night, while the action against the officers was confirmed in a press release issued by the Rangpur Metropolitan Police media cell on Thursday (June 4).

Those closed include OC Azad Rahman, female constable Lima Soren, constable Basudev, duty officer Mehruennesa, and sub-inspector Masud Rana.

According to police, a three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the incident. The committee is headed by Additional Commissioner (Administration and Finance) Naresh Chakma, with Deputy Commissioner (Crime) Md. Mahfuzur Rahman and Assistant Commissioner (Kotwali Zone) Sukumar Roy as members.

The victim, Rakibul Islam Rakib, is the member secretary of the Rangpur Sadar Upazila unit of the Jatiotabadi Swechasebak Dal.

Rakib alleged that he was assaulted and injured inside the police station by officers led by the OC after he raised objections during a dispute involving a missing couple case that had earlier been registered as a general diary (GD).

He claimed that when he tried to make a phone call during the discussion, police personnel attacked him, confiscated his mobile phones, and beat him severely.

Following the incident, leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations gathered outside the police station and demanded action against those involved.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud said the accused officers have been withdrawn and an inquiry committee has been tasked with submitting a report for further legal and departmental action.