Death sparks violence in Barisal
At least 17 people were injured as police fired rubber bullets during a clash between law enforcers and villagers centring a businessman's death at Kurulia village under Uzirpur upazila of Barisal early yesterday.
Five policemen were also injured by brickbats hurled by the villagers.
Arun Samaddar, a fisherman of the village, said he found businessman Swapan Samaddar, 26, in an unconscious state in front of a local police camp while going to a fish market at about 4:30am.
Arun immediately rushed to the police camp and drew attention of the law enforcers. Instead of taking any action, the camp members asked him to leave the place, Arun said.
Later, Arun with the assistance of locals made an arrangement to take Swapan to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College and Hospital (SBMCH).
But, Swapan, who had bruises all over the body, died on his way to the hospital, villagers said.
As the news of Swapan's death spread, agitating locals assembled at the police camp and demanded an explanation of police inaction.
At one stage, they attacked the law enforcers and pelted them with brickbats forcing the cops to fire 20 rounds of rubber bullets in self-defence, police said.
Of the injured villagers, Sushanta Baroi, 20, was admitted to Agoiljhara Health Complex while Kamala Rani Samaddar, 31, to Goila Health Complex with bullet injuries. The other injured took primary treatment at different local clinics.
Abul Kalam Azad, chairman of the upazila, said the police camp at Jalla was opened to curb activities of the outlawed Sarbahara Party. But, it turned into a place of harassment for the locals.
Contacted, Md Abdul Motalib, acting district police superintendent, said he visited the spot, and situation became normal with the help of local government representatives at noon.
Bhanu Lal Das, additional inspector general of police in Barisal range, said the authority had ordered to replace the cops of the camp with new forces.
Police arrested Amal Daktar in connection with the murder of the businessman.
Swapan's body was sent to SBMCH morgue for an autopsy, said Sukumar Roy, in-charge of Uzirpur Police Station.
The cops, who were injured by brickbats, are camp in-charge Delwar Hossain, Habildar Nasiruddin, constables Sohel, Rusel and Emdad.
Delwar and Emdad were later suspended on allegations of unprovoked firing, police said.
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