Probe Rab firing

Mother of Limon tries to comfort him at the prison ward of Pangu Hospital in the capital yesterday. Inset, policemen close the door to the ward as the detainees are not allowed to talk to the media.Photo: STAR

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday sent a letter to home ministry urging a high-powered committee to investigate the incident in which college student Limon became disabled in a Rab shootout.
NHRC Chairman Mizanur Rahman asked the ministry to submit the probe report to the commission in 12 days.
The NHRC chairman on Wednesday night spoke with ZI Khan, chairman of Human Rights and Legal Aid Committee of Bangladesh Bar Council, over the phone and informed him about the matter.
He also asked Rights Jessore, a non-government organisation, to form an enquiry committee and submit its report as soon as possible. He reasoned the initiative saying NRHC is unable to form a committee due to manpower shortage.
Meanwhile, the High Court yesterday issued a suo moto rule upon the government over the alleged torture of Limon by Rab.
An HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice Farid Ahmed issued the rule following a news report published in the Bangla daily Prothom Alo.
Deputy Attorney General Razik-Al-Jalil said the court did not deliver the ruling in detail.
Also yesterday, State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Haque Tuku told journalists that the NHRC chairman viewed the Limon issue from his perspective.
If the allegation made against Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) is true, the elite force has its own departmental and legal steps for the offenders, he said, adding that Rab also has its own system of investigation.
Asked whether the ministry would form the probe committee, the state minister said it would be formed if necessary.
Meanwhile, yesterday in a press release Rab Legal and Media Wing stood by their version of the shootout claiming Limon and his cohorts opened fire at Rab members prompting them to retaliate. However, it was not confirmed exactly how Limon was wounded.
The press release said as per the existing law, an investigation in this matter has been on under a magistrate since its incidence.
Yesterday, when journalists went to the prison ward of National Institute of Traumatology and Research (Nitor), where Limon is being treated, they were not allowed in. Relatives of Limon were also refused entry to the hospital, as Limon is now accused in two cases including one for possessing illegal arms, and that his visitor-privilege is restricted.
Masud Hasan, a villager from Limon's home, told The Daily Star that as far as he knows, Limon is a very good lad. He said it is hard to believe that a boy like Limon would have a gunfight with Rab.
Limon's mother Henu Ara Begum said her son is innocent and he lost his leg for Rab's mistake. Rab has filed two cases against Limon to label him as an armed miscreant, she alleged.
She said she heard that Rab personnel were pursuing and intimidating villagers to be witness for the law enforcement agency.
Our Barisal correspondent adds: Panic has spread in Limon's village as plain-clothes Rab have been staying there since Limon's story came in the media.
Hemayet Hossain, chairman of Saturia union, told The Daily Star that he enquired about Limon in the locality and found nothing bad. He suspects some local elements behind the incident.
Officer-in-Charge Tofazzal Hossain of Rajapur Police Station said a case was filed against Limon with his police station in 2009 for his involvement in a clash.
On this the family said Limon protested when his uncle beat his mother over a family feud. Following that the uncle filed that case accusing Limon, among others, for the untoward incident.