Youth dies in police custody in Chattogram

A youth died in police custody at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) yesterday noon, after reportedly attempting suicide at Panchlaish Police Station.

The deceased was identified as Saiful, 26, of Bhola according to the CMCH patients’ records.

“Saiful was handed over to a team of patrol police of Panchlaish Station after a a mob beat him up in Muradpur area suspecting him to be a mugger,” Deputy Commissioner (North) Bijoy Basak told The Daily Star.

“He was given primary treatment at CMCH and kept at Panchlaish Police Station’s custody. At around 11:00am, he tried to commit suicide by hanging himself with a blanket (that is kept for criminals in jail),” said the DC.

The DC said doctors declared him dead after he was rushed to CMCH.

However, the police official failed to tell this correspondent the reason behind the alleged suicide, or the charge against the youth.

“I am investigating the matter myself,” said the DC.

Upon a visit to the hospital, this correspondent found the body at the causality ward, wrapped in a blanket.

No police personnel of CMCH Police Outpost spoke to journalists about the incident, despite repeated attempts. No family member of the deceased was found at the CMCH either until 4:30pm.

Earlier on June 21, a man, Bacchu Sheikh, died in police custody after he was arrested by police from the city’s EPZ area in connection with a case filed with EPZ Police Station, after he reportedly fell sick.