Newsman beaten by 'hired goons'

A local journalist of a national daily was assaulted allegedly by a gang of hired criminals in front of Jamalpur Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) camp at Beltia in the town on Friday night.

The victim, Anwarul Islam Milon of old bus stand area of the town, is Jamalpur correspondent of the daily Manob Zamin.

He gave Tk 11 lakh to Mohammad Ali, 40, owner of Bharosa Brick Kiln in the town's Chhantia area, for purchasing bricks in March 2016, the victim said.

The owner did not supply him the bricks or return the money in due time, said police quoting the victim.

As Milon put pressure on him to return the money, Mohammad Ali returned Tk 5 lakh in installments.

Later, Mohammad Ali gave Milon a cheque of Tk 3 lakh, which was dishonoured by the Dutch Bangla Bank, Jamalpur branch, on February 27, 2017.

Milon got a legal notice served to Mohammad Ali, who hired a gang of criminals to beat up Milon in a bid to prevent him from taking any legal steps against Mohammad Ali, said Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Police Station Nasimul Islam.

Subsequently, a gang of 10 to 12 people, led by Monwarul Islam Cornel, 44, and Monu Mia, 43, of old bus stand area, swooped on Milon and assaulted him in Beltia area around 10:00pm, the OC said.

The victim lodged a general diary, accusing four people, including Monwarul and Monu, with the police station.