A policeman named Faridul Islam was attacked and beaten up while collecting information about the death of a child who was hit by a truck in Debiganj of Panchagarh.
The incident took place on the Asian highway in front of Sonapota Government Primary School in Deviduba Union of Upazila on Tuesday (May 19) night.
Confirming the truth of the incident, the officer-in-charge (OC) of Debiganj police station Salim Malik said, “Action will be taken in this regard by talking to the higher authorities.”
The injured Faridul is working in the Special Branch (DSB) of the District Police. He was admitted to the hospital.
According to local sources, a six-year-old child named Papari Rani Roy was killed by a truck at the same place on Tuesday evening. Enraged by this incident, the local people seized the killer truck and vandalized it and set it on fire. Besides, they protested by blocking the road for about one and a half hours. A few vehicles were also vandalized.
Three DSB members working in Debiganj went to the spot after receiving the news of the accident. Two of them went to the dead body to gather information, but DSB member Faridul went to the spot where the truck was stopped and observed the situation.
According to sources, when the protestors tried to vandalize another truck during the road blockade, Faridul Islam took a picture from a distance and informed the duty officer of the police station over the phone. At that time 10 to 12 youths led by brother of local UP member Santosh Roy attacked and beat him. It is alleged that they snatched the mobile phone and wallet from the policeman.
Locals said that Faridul pretended to be a policeman and said that he was in charge of collecting information about road accidents, but he was severely beaten. At one point, he was hit on the head with a bamboo stick and fell to the ground. Later the attackers left the spot. The police came to the spot and admitted him to Debiganj Upazila Health Complex.
Dr. Debiganj Upazila Health Complex emergency department doctor. Swapoorna Saha said, “A policeman named Faridul Islam was brought to the hospital at 10:20 p.m. He has injuries in different parts of his body. Head injuries were also found. He was admitted to the hospital after treatment.”
When DSB member Faridul Islam, who is undergoing treatment in the hospital, was asked about the incident, he said that he cannot give any statement without the permission of higher authorities.
