Rajshahi man dies in Rab custody, family claims torture

A youth law enforcers identified as drug addict and arms dealer has died in the custody of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Rajshahi. Family claimed he was tortured to death.

The deceased was identified as Mojaharul Islam Jias, 35, son of Anisur Rahman in Naogaon’s Manda upazila, our local staff correspondent reported today.

Director of Rab-5 in Rajshahi, Lt Col Mahbubul Alam, said addict Mojahar was arrested from Shingi Hat in Naogaon around 10:00pm on Friday and seized ammunition from him.

After recovery of eight bullets, six rifles and two pistols, Rab conducted further search in his house, the official said. After futile search, Rab was taking him to Rajshahi.

On the way, Jias said he was not feeling well and fell unconscious. Rab rushed him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead around 3:30am, Lt Col Alam said.

Meanwhile, Mojahar’s father Anisur Rahman, uncle Mokhlesur Rahman and elder brother Azaharul Islam, who went to retrieve the body, alleged he was tortured to death.

Mokhlesur Rahman told The Daily Star they heard about Mojahar’s arrest about 9:00pm. “Rab brought him home around 1:00am and a bloody and battered state. He could not walk.”

He alleged that Rab men again beat him in front of them, threatening the family of dire consequence if they tried to intervene. Then they took him to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.

Lt Col Mahbubul Alam denied allegations of torture during the arrest.

“There was no reason for torture, we had all required information beforehand… we already seized some ammunition from him that are sufficient to accuse him,” he said.

However, he was not aware that Mojahar was implicated in any previous criminal cases.