Alleged KNF member dies in custody at Chattogram Central Jail
According to the prison authorities, the inmate died from a cardiac arrest
An alleged member of the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF), a group based in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, died in custody at the Chattogram Central Jail this morning (15 May).
According to the prison authorities, the inmate died from a cardiac arrest.
The deceased identified as Lal Peleng King Bom, 27, was a resident of Bethel Para in Ruma Upazila of Bandarban district.
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He had been held at Chattogram Central Jail since 26 June 2024, following his arrest on 9 April the same year, in connection with four criminal cases, including armed robbery at a Sonali Bank branch in Ruma and kidnapping.
Iqbal Hossain, senior jail superintendent of Chattogram Central Jail, told The Business Standard, "Lal Peleng was housed in Ward 15 of the Karnaphuli building, along with several other KNF members. At around 7:30am, he suddenly woke up screaming and began having severe convulsions.
"Prison guards responded swiftly, taking him first to the prison hospital and then transferring him to Chattogram Medical College Hospital around 8am, where the on-duty physician pronounced him dead. Medical reports confirmed that the cause of death was heart failure," he added.
He also said that a case of unnatural death has been filed in this connection and the body will be handed over to the family after post-mortem examination.
However, King Bom's family alleged that he was held without trial for a year following his arrest, and despite the deterioration of his health, he was not provided with adequate medical treatment.
KNF, which has been active in the hill tracts, was the subject of government operations due to its alleged involvement in criminal and insurgent activities. Over 50 members of the insurgent group were arrested in a continuous operation last year.
