Jewel murder: probe against Patgram’s ex-UNO begins

The district administration in Lalmonirhat has started an investigation against former Patgram Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Kamrun Nahar for alleged negligence on duty while Abu Yusuf Md Sahidunnabi Jewel was beaten up and burnt to death by a mob in October last year.

The three-member investigation committee led by Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Md Abu Jafar began recording statements of 13 eyewitnesses at Burimari union parishad hall around 11:00 am, our local correspondent reports.

The two other members are Patgram Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Ram Krishna Barman and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Sohel Rana.

DC Jafar said, "We will prepare the probe report after recording the testimonies of the 13 eyewitnesses who were present during the incident on October 29, 2020."

He added, "The ministry concerned will take necessary actions based on the investigation report."

The then UNO of Patgram upazila Kamrun Nahar joined Patgram on August 16, 2020 and was transferred from the upazila on March 16 -- joining as secretary of Sirajganj District Council.

Lalmonirhat DB Police Officer-in-Charge (OC) Omar Farooq, who is also the investigation officer of the case, said three separate cases have been filed at Patgram Police Station in connection with the death of Jewel. 

In total, 52 people have been arrested so far in these cases, and they are in jail, he said.

The charge sheets will be submitted to the court soon, he added.

A mob on October 29 last year killed 50-year-old Jewel following rumours that he had demeaned the Holy Quran.