Two ‘extortionists’ snatched away from police custody in Narsingdi

Two men accused of extorting money from autorickshaw drivers have been snatched away from police custody in Narsingdi Sadar after a group of up to 50 people reportedly launched an attack on officers.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohammad Anwar Hossain was injured in the assault on Saturday and later transferred to Rajarbagh Police Hospital in Dhaka after receiving first aid at Narsingdi Sadar Hospital.

Police said the incident occurred around 10:30am at Arshinagar intersection in the municipal town.

Earlier in the morning, ASP Anwar had led a team of eight officers to inspect the recovery of a body in the Birpur area. On their way back, the team detained two men accused of extorting tolls from autorickshaw drivers.

Moments later, a group of 40-50 people allegedly attacked from behind, striking Anwar on the neck, side, and other parts of his body. During the assault, the attackers forcibly freed the two detainees and fled the scene.

Dr Farida Gulshana Kabir, resident medical officer at Narsingdi Sadar Hospital, said: “Anwar Hossain received primary care. Blood has clotted in his neck and leg. We have prescribed several tests and recommended that he be admitted to hospital.”

CONFLICTING ACCOUNTS

Alamgir Hossain, the leaseholder of the autorickshaw stand, rejected the allegations of an attack on law enforcers as “false and baseless”.

 “No attack took place. I heard there was some pushing and shoving when police tried to interfere as money was being collected in line with municipal rules and a valid lease agreement,” he said.

ASP Anwar, however, insisted that the attack was deliberate.

 “Because I have been vocal against extortion, the attack was directed at me. None of the other officers were attacked, nor was there any situation that could have led to a larger clash,” he said.

ASP (Administration) Md Kalimullah also sought to play down the incident.

 “It was nothing major. As they were passing by, two men were collecting tolls. During a conversation with them, 30 to 40 people suddenly arrived and took them away.

 “At one point, when they shoved Anwar Hossain. He fell on the road. It wasn’t really an attack -- there was just some pushing and shoving while the two men were being snatched away. We are taking steps in relation to the incident.”