HC orders action on SP, cops for blazing Santal homes

The High Court today ordered withdrawal of superintendent of Gaibandha police and action against involved policemen in connection to setting Santal homes ablaze in November last year.

High Court bench of Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice Krishna Debnath ordered the home secretary to withdraw the district police official at once in connection with the incident.

The home secretary, inspector general of police, and deputy inspector general of Rangpur range, were directed to withdraw the policemen on duty at Chamgari area on November 6 last year.

The order came following a writ petition filed by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Broti and Association for Land Reform Development (ALRD) in this regard.

On November 6, at least 25 people were injured in a clash between indigenous people and labourers as well as police at Shahebganj sugarcane farm of Rangpur Sugar Mills in Gobindaganj upazila over land dispute.

At least two people of the ethnic community died following the clash.

Later, after videos appeared of law enforcers setting fire to Santal settlements, the High Court ordered a probe into the matter. The probe found three policemen and locals guilty of the act.