A Barisal court yesterday sent a police official to jail rejecting his bail prayer in a case filed for torturing his underage wife for dowry.

Sub-inspector Abdul Wares, 40, of Kawnia Police Station, married 14-year-old Habiba Akter Marufa, hiding information about his first marriage, and physically tortured her for dowry, said the case filed by Marufa's mother.

Marufa had to get admitted to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital from June 12 to 16 last year after being tortured by Wares, said the mother.

Wares used to lock Marufa in the house, with no food inside, before leaving for office every day, she added.

Mahmuda filed the case on March 10, five days after police rescued her daughter from Wares' locked house with the help of Bangladesh Women Lawyers' Association.

According to Barisal police, Wares went "missing" after being suspended. On April 6, he secured a four-week bail from the HC.

Yesterday when Wares appeared before the tribunal seeking permanent bail, the court sent him to jail.

Selim Reza, officer-in-charge of the police station and also the investigation officer, submitted the charge sheet against Wares on April 28.