A minor boy in Sundarganj of Gaibandha was shot and wounded in both legs, reportedly by a local member of parliament, on Friday. Apparently he was not the target, his uncle was, with whom he had gone out for a walk in the morning. Predictably, the MP at first, refuted the claim but later his brother-in-law surrendered his shot gun and pistol to the police station, although the lawmaker did not come himself. The DC of Gaibandha has acknowledged the veracity of the allegation and the OC ordered that the firearms of the MP be seized. The fact that the MP and his family are in hiding gives all the indication of his guilt. 

The MP had resorted to indiscriminate firing as eye witness accounts reveal. Even more reprehensible is that attempts were made by the MP to prevent the injured boy from going to Rangpur for better treatment. We learn from media reports that the said MP is known for his arrogance and misdemeanour which even his party colleagues have admitted to and which they think have harmed the party's image.

Public representatives are supposed to be guardians of the electorate. What a way to protect the very people who have voted the MP to the parliament! In the eyes of the law, shooting an unarmed person who poses no threat is considered a punishable crime. Where the victim is a minor, the crime is all the more condemnable. The lawmaker in question should be brought to book like any other individual would be for such an unlawful, brutal act.