Altering Murder Case FIR: Hearing on petition deferred for 7 days
The High Court yesterday deferred for a week the hearing of a writ petition, challenging alleged manipulation of the first information report (FIR) of workers’ leader Nurul Islam murder case in Rajshahi.
The bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman passed the order after Attorney General Mahbubey Alam sought an adjournment for taking preparation to place arguments on the state’s behalf.
The HC bench was scheduled to pass an order yesterday.
Meanwhile, a judicial probe has found five police officials responsible in the FIR manipulation.
The officials are: additional superintendents of police Md Mahmudul Hasan (administration and crimes), M Matiur Rahman (DSB) and Md Abul Kalam Saahid (Puthia circle), Inspector Mohinul Islam (investigation) and the then OC of Puthia Police Station Shakil Uddin Ahamed.
Rajshahi Chief Judicial Magistrate Md Mehedi Hasan Talukder, who conducted the inquiry as per a High Court directive, sent it to the HC recommending orders on the authorities to take legal action against them.
Mehedi said Shakil’s behaviour with Nurul’s daughter was unlawful when she went to Puthia Police Station on June 11 to seek justice for her father’s murder.
Taking that into account, it can be assumed that the OC had a role in manipulating the FIR, the report said. Four officials, present at the time, also cannot avoid responsibilities.
On September 16, the HC bench led by Justice M Enayetur Rahim directed the magistrate to inquire into manipulation by OC Shakil, following a petition filed by Nurul’s daughter.
On April 24, an election to Puthia Motor Sramik Union was held where Nurul contested for the post of general secretary. The following day, results showed that Abdur Rahman Patal was elected general secretary.
Nurul filed a case with a Rajshahi court on June 9 claiming that he bagged 602 votes against Patal’s 520, but the latter was declared elected illegally. The court issued an injunction, restricting Patal and three others from taking up the posts. The order was imposed on them on June 10.
Nurul went missing around 8pm that day and his body was recovered from SS Brickfield the following day.
His daughter filed the murder case on June 11 against eight people, including Patal. In the FIR, she alleged that OC Shakil was involved in manipulating election results in Patal’s favour.