Police working to arrest others involved in beating Tofazzal to death: DMP

Police say they are still working to arrest the others involved in beating Tofazzal Hossain, a man with a mental disability, to death at Dhaka University’s Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall.

Mohammad Talebur Rahman, deputy commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police media wing, said at a press conference at 11:00 am on Monday.

Thirty-two-year-old Tofazzal was beaten in the guest room at the residential hall on Wednesday before students took him to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, where the doctor on duty declared him dead.

Police have arrested six students over the killing so far. They have given confession statements to a court. The Dhaka University administration has expelled eight students in connection with the incident.

“Police have been active over this unacceptable incident at Dhaka University since the start,” Talebur said. “After the case was filed, senior officials inspected the scene. A Surathal report was submitted and an autopsy performed before the body was turned over to the family.”

“The Dhaka University administration has handed over six students to us over this incident.”

“Dhaka University has informed us of some findings. We have been in touch with them and efforts are continuing to arrest those involved."

Talebur said: "Our investigation is ongoing. Legal action will be taken if anyone else is found involved in the investigation. We are giving the case the utmost priority."

Asked about policemen absent from work, he said, "As you know, we have to follow some laws and rules regarding those who are still absent. There are some rules and regulations in this job. According to those rules, if someone is absent without permission, then we follow the job regulations. Departmental action is taken against them."

In response to another question, the DMP spokesman said: "Twenty-two police stations in Dhaka have been partially or completely destroyed, a total of 216 structures have been damaged. We are trying to return the situation to normal by repairing them in a short time. We are trying our best to provide peace and calm to the people of the city with our limited resources and to maintain order."

Noting that the count of looted DMP weapons is still ongoing, he said: "As many structures have been damaged, we have not yet received complete information. It is being worked on, and we can give you the complete count when it is completed."