ICT orders trial of eight police over 2016 'gunfight' maiming two Shibir leaders
Eight police officials, including then superintendent of police (SP) Anisur Rahman, have been indicted.
The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has ordered the start of trial in a crimes against humanity case over the 2016 shooting and maiming of two Chhatra Shibir leaders in Jashore's Chowgacha, allegedly after staging a "gunfight".
Eight police officials, including then superintendent of police (SP) Anisur Rahman, have been indicted. The order was passed today (20 April) by ICT-1, led by Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder, which also fixed 1 June for the prosecution's opening statement and the deposition of the first witness.
According to the prosecution, on 3 August 2016, police detained Ruhul Amin and Israfil in Chowgacha, Jashore. Instead of being produced before a court, they were allegedly tortured for two consecutive nights.
It further alleged that SP Anisur Rahman instructed subordinate officers to stage a gunfight and shoot the two victims in their legs. Sand was allegedly forced into their wounds, and the injuries were bound with cloth before they were shown arrested in a case later proven false. The contamination led to severe infection, eventually resulting in the amputation of both victims' legs.
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At the outset of the hearing, the tribunal rejected defence petitions seeking discharge of the accused and read out the charges. The three accused present in the dock pleaded not guilty and sought justice. The tribunal then framed formal charges against all eight accused and confirmed 1 June for opening statements and witness testimony.
Earlier in the day, three accused were produced before the tribunal from prison: former sub-inspector (SI) Akikul Islam of Chowgacha Police Station, constable Sazzadur Rahman and constable Johorul Haque.
The remaining accused, including former SP Anisur Rahman, are absconding. They are former officer-in-charge (OC) of Chowgacha Police Station, Moshiur Rahman, SI Mokhles, SI Jamal and SI Majedul.
On 16 April, defence lawyers concluded hearings seeking dismissal of the charges, while the prosecution filed its plea for charge framing on 12 April. The tribunal issued its order following those proceedings.
