4 arrested over Mirpur clinic demolition; suspects admit paid attack: Police
Shah Ali OC admits police were present at the scene while the vandalism was taking place.
Four people were arrested today (26 September) over an attack, looting, and demolition of a private NGO-run clinic named Radda MCH-FP Centre in Dhaka's Mirpur-1.
Shah Ali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Jahangir Hossain confirmed the arrests but did not disclose their identities. He, however, claimed that the suspects admitted to carrying out the attack in exchange for money.
The OC also admitted that police were present at the scene while the attack and demolition took place. However, he declined to provide a clear explanation as to why police did not stop the attackers or why no one was detained at the time.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
After inspecting the site today, DMP Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed told reporters, "We are examining whether there were any lapses on the part of the police in connection with the attack on Radda.
"A three-member investigation committee has been formed. Action will also be taken against police personnel if they are found to be involved."
"During the investigation, no one's identity or background will be considered. They will be investigated as offenders," said the commissioner.
Between 12am and 2am yesterday (25 September), a group of 200-250 people, wielding local weapons and wearing masks, took two security guards hostage and raided the clinic, during which they looted and demolished the establishment with heavy machinery.
The clinic provided primary healthcare, EPI vaccination, and family planning services to poor and underprivileged people at that site since 1976.
The clinic's Executive Director Dr Nasrin Akhter has filed a case against Mirpur BNP leader Hanif Mia and 200-250 unidentified people at Shah Ali Police Station, accusing them of trespassing, theft, and threats and claiming more than Tk1.5 crore in damages.
Hanif Mia, however, has denied allegations of involvement in the incident, during which the attackers were reportedly carrying a banner of "Sammona Dokandar Samabaya Samity Limited".
Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation Administrator Shafiqul Islam Khan visited the scene today and said efforts were underway to identify and arrest those involved by reviewing CCTV camera footage.
He said any dispute over land or structures must be resolved through legal channels.
OC Jahangir said the four arrested suspects were sent to court.
