Narsingdi ASP attacked while catching 'extortionists'

An additional superintendent of police (ASP) was injured in an attack by a group of miscreants who attempted to snatch away two extortionists caught red-handed while collecting money from drivers in Narsingdi city this morning (4 October).

The incident occurred around 10am at Arshinagar intersection in Narsingdi municipality, when ASP Anwar Hossain intervened after witnessing extortion from battery-run auto-rickshaw drivers and other vehicles.

Narsingdi ASP (Administration) Md Kalimullah told The Business Standard, "ASP Anwar Hossain was injured during the scuffle while catching the extortionists. Appropriate legal action will be taken in this regard."

"While returning from Birpur area, I saw several individuals collecting money from moving vehicles. I detained two for questioning, and suddenly, 30 to 40 people attacked me. They beat me until I lost consciousness," ASP Hossain told journalists from the hospital, reports UNB.

He was rescued by local residents and fellow police members and taken to Narsingdi Sadar Hospital.

Dr Farida Gulshana Kabir, RMO of the hospital, said the officer suffered serious injuries, including blood clots on his neck and legs.

He was later referred to the Rajarbagh Police Hospital in Dhaka for advanced treatment.

ASP Anwar claimed that the attackers were linked to individuals controlling illegal toll collection under the lease of the municipality's CNG-autorickshaw stand.

However, Md Alamgir, leaseholder of the Narsingdi Municipal Council's auto-rickshaw stand, denied the allegations.

"No one attacked the police. We were collecting fees as per municipal guidelines. I only heard there was some pushing during a misunderstanding. The news of an attack is baseless," he said.