4 more held over journalist attack on city polls day

Four men were arrested from the city’s Mohammadpur area yesterday, in connection with an attack on Mostafizur Rahman Sumon, a crime reporter at online news portal Agami News, on the day of Dhaka City Corporation elections (February 1).

The arrestees are Jahirul Islam Apu (26), Rasel Hawlader (35), Masud (18) and Alauddin (21), commanding officer of Rab-2 Lt Col Ashique Billah said.

The men were identified after Rab scrutinised CCTV footage, the official said.

Among them, Rasel is step brother-in-law of AL-backed councillor-elect Md Hossain Khokon of Ward no 34, the Rab official said adding that the attackers were mainly supporters of the councillor.

So far, at least five suspected attackers have been arrested. Earlier on Wednesday, police arrested another man named Ismail Hossain from Rayerbazar area.

HOW WAS SUMON ATTACKED? 

Sumon was attacked while taking photos of a gathering of Awami League activists in Rayerbazar area on the election day.

Followers of AL-backed councillor candidate Md Hossain Khokon swooped on him wielding sharp weapons and snatched his phone, his colleagues said.

Sumon was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where he had to get six stitches on his head, said Inspector Bachchu Mia, in-charge of DMCH Police Outpost.