Jatrabari 'lineman' murder: DSCC councillor made prime accused
A Dhaka South City Corporation councillor and 21 of his associates were sued over the murder of a "lineman" (one who collects tolls or fees), who was killed following a feud between two extortionist groups in Jatrabari area.
Poppy Akter, wife of deceased Imran Hossain, filed the case with Jatrabari Police Station yesterday.
Masum Molla, a local Awami League leader and councillor of DSCC ward 50, has been named as the prime accused. Besides 21 other named accused, 20-25 unidentified people were also made accused in the case.
A pick-up van driver, Imran Hossain, 35, who also worked as a "lineman" at a human haulier stand, was stabbed to death inside a warehouse in Jatrabari kitchen market area early Tuesday. Two other linemen, Shahadat, 20, and Siddique, 25, were injured in the clash.
On behalf of various groups, linemen collect tolls from trucks and pickup vans in the area. The groups often get locked clashes over the control of the extortion.
Imran's wife Poppy alleged that her husband was killed as a result of a dispute over collecting tolls from vehicles entering Jatrabari kitchen market.
Azharul Islam, inspector (investigation) of Jatrabari Police Station, said several groups collect tolls under the patronage of various organisations.
Locals said there has been a feud between two extortionist groups led by Al Amin and Akramuzzaman, alias Uzzal Molla.
"The two groups clashed with each other for the last two weeks. On Tuesday, Uzzal's group attacked Imran and others assuming that they were from Al Amin's group," said Abdul Jabbar, secretary of Dhaka District Truck-Lorry-Covered Van Workers' Union.
Imran Hossain, used to collect toll for the union, he said.
The victim's wife alleged that Councillor Masum ordered the murder while Uzzal Molla, Mohmmad Ali, and Arif stabbed Imran to death with sharp weapons.
Masum or Al Amin could not be reached as their cellphones were found switched off.
Inspector Azharul said they have arrested five accused in the case.
"We were scrutinising the roles of the arrestees and other accused in the case," he added.
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