Pregnant woman beaten up in Chakaria after not receiving bribe, demand for investigation against SI

A police sub-inspector (SI) in Chakaria, Cox's Bazar has been accused of beating up a pregnant woman and forcing her to sign a stamp after not receiving bribe money. The incident has created a sensation in the area.

The victim, Mohammad Rafiq (45), filed a written complaint with the Cox's Bazar Police Superintendent of Bangladesh Police on Wednesday (April 8) seeking redress in the matter.

According to the complaint, Rafiq has a long-standing dispute with local Abu Taher Gong over a residential land in Madhyam Char Para of East Baro Bheola Union of Chakaria, which is currently pending in court. On April 3, when the opponent tried to seize the land, Rafiq called the national emergency service 999. Later, SI Faruk Hossain stopped the work and allegedly charged Tk 3,000 as 'expenses'.

Rafiq claims that later, SI Faruk demanded a bribe of Tk 1 lakh after promising to settle the matter. When he refused to pay the money, the officer got angry and sided with the opponent.

The complaint states that on the morning of April 7, when the opponent tried to seize the land again in the presence of SI Faruk, Rafiq's family prevented him. At that time, Shifa Jannat, who was six months pregnant, was kicked in the stomach and seriously injured. Rafiq's wife Pinky Akhter and sister Sharmin Akhter were also beaten up. The injured have been receiving treatment at the local health complex.

Rafiq further said that after the incident, he was forcibly taken to the Matamuhuri Investigation Center. There, he was beaten up and intimidated and his signature was taken on three blank non-judicial stamps of Tk 100.

Pregnant Shifa Jannat said, “When I asked why my brother-in-law was being taken away, SI Faruk kicked me in the stomach, which made me fall to the ground.”

However, accused SI Faruk Hossain denied the bribery charge. He claimed that his opponent was asked to continue working as there was no court order. He also admitted that he “hit me with a stick” in anger.

Himel Hasan, in-charge of the Matamuhuri Investigation Center, said that he was not in the office at the time of the incident, but the matter has been reported to higher authorities.

In this regard, Cox’s Bazar Police Superintendent ANM Sajidur Rahman said that necessary action will be taken after verifying the truth of the complaint. He said, “The complaint is serious—if proven, strict action will be taken.”

Meanwhile, locals demand that the incident be investigated impartially and the culprits be brought to justice quickly, so that such incidents do not happen again in the future.