RP Shaha abduction under scanner

The investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal has launched a probe into the abduction of philanthropist Ranada Prasad Shaha, known as RP Shaha, and his son Bhabani Prasad Shaha during the Liberation War in 1971.

Pakistani army men in association with their local collaborators abducted them from their Narayanganj home on May 7, 1971, according to the agency. They never returned.

The main objective of the investigation is to find out who the local perpetrators were and to bring them to book, Abdul Hannan Khan, coordinator of the agency told The Daily Star.

Ataur Rahman has been appointed as investigation officer, said Sanaul Huq, co-coordinator of the agency.

The investigation agency has already sent letters to the police authorities in Dhaka, Narayanganj and Tangail districts, asking them to provide information, if they have any, about the abduction, Ataur, who began the task in the first week of this month, told The Daily Star.

They were asked to give information as to whether any case had been filed in connection with the abduction.

Ataur said he was also working to collect documentary evidence from Bangla Academy Library and the agency's library and that he would visit Tangail next week.

Ranada was born on November 15, 1896 in Mirzapur village near the sub-divisional town of Tangail of the erstwhile Mymensingh district.

Reaching the pinnacle of success as a businessman, RP Shaha placed all his companies and businesses in a trust with a view to using the proceeds for public welfare. Kumudini Welfare Trust of Bengal thus came into existence for poor and distressed people, according to the website of the trust.

RP Shaha used his wealth to establish a hospital in remote Mirzapur to provide free medical care.

The philanthropist founded several educational institutions to promote education in the country, including renowned Bharateswari Homes for women.