2004 grenade attack: Arif, Gaus, Babar plead not guilty in court case over attempted murder of Suranjit
During the examination under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, they claimed the case was "false.
Three prominent political figures appeared before a Sylhet court in a case filed over the 2004 grenade attack on late Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta, claiming they are innocent and that the case is politically motivated.
Former Sylhet City mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury, former Habiganj municipality mayor and parliamentary whip GK Gaus, and former state minister for home Lutfozzaman Babar appeared before the Sylhet Speedy Trial Tribunal yesterday (6 April).
During the examination under Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, they claimed the case was "false, harassing, and politically motivated," demanding immediate acquittal.
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Defence lawyer ATM Foyaz Uddin stated that the court conducted the examination of the accused ahead of the final verdict.
"Ariful Haque, Lutfozzaman Babar, and GK Gaus, along with other accused, appeared in person to present their statements and maintained their innocence," he said.
While addressing the court, GK Gaus claimed he had been subjected to 26 months of suffering due to the case and alleged that he was implicated out of political vengeance. He also demanded punishment for the plaintiff.
Public Prosecutor Abul Hossain said following the examination of the accused, the court, presided over by Judge Swapan Kumar Sarkar, fixed 21 April for the commencement of final arguments.
Prosecutors, including district PP Ashiq Uddin and metropolitan PP Badrul Alam Chowdhury, took part in the proceedings.
The case stems from a grenade attack on 21 June 2004 at a political rally in Dirai Bazar, Sunamganj, which was part of Suranjit Sengupta's constituency. He was addressing the gathering as the chief guest when the attack occurred. One Jubo League activist was killed on the spot and at least 29 others were injured, while Sengupta narrowly escaped.
Sub-Inspector Helal Uddin of Dirai Police Station initially filed the case against unidentified persons. However, in 22 October 2020, charges were framed against 10 individuals, including Babar, Ariful, and Gaus. There are 123 listed witnesses in the case.
