Murder suspect accuses cops of sexual assault

A murder case accused has brought allegations of sexual harassment and physical torture against some policemen in Barishal.

During her remand, the investigation officer of the case sexually harassed her and some other policemen tortured her physically, she said.

She made the statement before Judicial Magistrate Mahfuzur Rahman when she was produced before his court on Friday afternoon.

Taking the allegations into cognizance, the court directed a health checkup on the woman and asked Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital's director to submit a report within 24 hours.

Contacted, Inspector Mainul, the investigation officer of the case, denied the allegations and termed those "false".

SM Aktaruzzaman, deputy inspector general (DIG) of Barishal range police, said, "I have heard about the incident. The district's superintendent of police is looking into the matter."

Contacted, SP Mohammad Maruf Hossain said he was yet to get any official order. Necessary legal steps would be taken if the allegations are found to be true.

Meanwhile, following the court's directive, the hospital authorities submitted its report yesterday, said HM Saiful Islam, director of the hospital.