Youth beaten to death in Lalmonirhat

LALMONIRHAT, Apr 15: A youth was beaten to death allegedly by the police after he was detained from Baishakhi Mela at Kazir Chawra village under Sadar upazila of the district on Thursday night.
The deceased was identified as Rabiul Islam Khan, 25, of Kazir Chawra village in Sadar upazila. In an instant protest against the incident, agitated villagers blocked the Lalmonirhat-Burimari highway last night and vandalised a police van.
Police arrested Rabiul from the fair venue on charge of gambling. While being taken to police van, police started beating him mercilessly, said victim's uncle. Police said Rabiul was detained from the village fair, but he suddenly fell sick and was taken to Sadar Hospital. The attending doctors referred him to Rangpur Medical College Hospital but he died after few moments.
Deceased's younger brother Shohag Khan claimed that his brother was not involved with gambling. He went there to buy toys for his only daughter. He was beaten to death by the police, he alleged and demanded justice.
Shafia Khatun, mother of deceased Rabiul, said her son was killed. She demanded punishment for those responsible for the death of her son. Kamrul Hasan Prince, Resident Medical Officer at Lalmonirhat Sadar Hospital, said the reason behind his (Rabiul) death could be known after getting the autopsy report.
Rabiul Islam, additional police super (ASP) of Lalmonirhat, told newsmen that Rabiul fell sick after police detained him during an anti-gambling drive. Then he was taken to the hospital where he died. "If his family files written complaint, we will investigate the matter and take necessary steps," he added.
UNB from Lalmonirhat adds: a policeman was withdrawn from duty on Friday in connection with the death of a 25-year-old RMG worker in police custody in Lalmonirhat, an official said.
The action was taken against Halim, sub-inspector (SI) of Lalmonirhat Sadar police station.