Dhaka Division News

Christian Assoc demands punishment to killer rapist

sarbhadharme — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:08:00 GMT

Christian Assoc demands punishment to killer rapist

Staff Correspondent

http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=37237

Bangladesh Christian Association demanded punishment of the culprits who have raped a mother and her daughter and killed the daughter at South Vadarti village under Kaliganj upazila in Gazipur on April 30.

In a statement president and secretary general of the association urged the intervention of the chief adviser and the army chief to arrest and punish the culprits.

They said the incident has created anxiety among the minority community people of the country. They also sought compensation for the family of the victims.

Humiliated and oppressed, a minority family of Narsingdi appeal to HRCBM for safety and security

Administrator — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 22:52:00 GMT

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Humiliated and oppressed, a minority family of Narsingdi appeal to HRCBM for safety and secuirty

Report submitted by: HRCBM-BNC, Dhaka

Picture (courtesy: HRCBM-BNC): Severely injured Mr. Lab Chandra Debnath.

Background: Mr. Lab Chandra Debnath S/O Late Dinesh CH Debn ath of Anandi, PS & Dist - Narsingdi Bangladesh filed an appeal to HRCBM-Bangladesh for security and safety
of his family members. Mr. Lab Debnath is a businessman of Madhabdi Bazar and residing his ancestral home generation after generation over 259 years. In the month of October 2007, one of his daughter Miss Lata Debnath (16) was abducted by a group of extortionists, land grabber and political tout of Narsingdi area namely Shah Alam S/o L Subed Ali ; Md Afzal Hossain S/O Askar Ali ; Khorshed Alam S/o Siddique Miah, accordingly a case was filed in the Narsingdi PS No 05 dated 02-10-2007.

After that Miss Lata was rescued and a case was filed against those miscreants in the “Nari O Shishu Special Court” Case No -05 (10) 07 US 7/30 and 36/08 . Magistrate Fist Class had taken statement under section 22. The accused Shah Alam and gang has been
threatening the Debnath family to withdraw the case since then. Meanwhile on April 09, 2008, absentee accused Shah Alam along with 5 more criminals and political cadres under the patronage of local politician attack Mr. Dhiren Debnath and seriously injured his body severely stabbing victim’s hands, chest, back and shoulders. Another witness Amal Debnath was also injured in the same incident. Mr. Dhiren Debnath is now in the hospital passing his acute critical times. A case was filed on the same day on April 09, 2008 in the Narsingdi PS Vide No 15(04)08 under section 326/307/379/114 CRPC, yet police has not taken any punitive action.

The victim also filed an appeal to the Chief Adviser Office, CTG Vide No 7046 dated 17 April and to the Inspector Genaral of Bangladesh Police separately. However, seemingly appeals yet to produce any favorable action from the respective authority. Disappointed by the inactions of local administration, victim appealed to HRCBM to intervene.

The Superintendent of Police of Narsingdi police Mr. Shahabuddin Ahmed can be reached at 88-01713373406.

The following is a copy of the appeal (Bengali) received by HRCBM-BNC depicts nature of torutre faimly is undergoing. It is surprising that police and local administration despite being fully aware of the incident, allowing criminals to indulge in violence against the minority family. In this context, HRCBM has filed a writ before Bangladesh high court in 2006. However, despite that favourable rulling Bangladesh government has filed to protect minotires in the country.

BNP cadres grab land of Hindu families in Munshiganj

Administrator — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 05:09:00 GMT

BNP cadres grab land of Hindu families in Munshiganj
Allege victims
Staff Correspondent

Local BNP cadres grabbed the lands and other properties of 50 Hindu families at Louhajang in Munshiganj and forced them out of their houses about two months ago, the victims alleged yesterday.

"The BNP cadres first grabbed our lands and set up a madrasa for girls there. We could not protest in fear of further attack and repression. Finally, they ousted us from our homes. Now we have no shelter and are passing our days like homeless people," said Kulbhushan Kangsha Banik, one of the victims, at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city.

He also alleged that the cadres have taken signatures of the victims on false land deeds at gunpoint before ousting them from their homes two month ago.

Kulbhushan said the BNP cadres had been torturing the families for the last several years.

"We could not celebrate our religious festivals peacefully. The cadres demolished our temple and puja mandap. They beat us when we tried to save our temple," he said.

Rashmoni Kangsha Banik, another victim, said they had informed the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) of the situation, but to no avail.

"The cadres once set fire to my seven-year-old daughter and they also beat me when I tried to extinguish the fire," said Maya Rani Kangsha Banik.

"Two months ago, the BNP cadres beat me and my husband before ousting us from our house. They will kill us if we try to go back to our home," she said.

Basudeb Kangsha Banik, Gouranga Kangsha Banik and Gopal Chandra Saha were also present at the press conference.

Source: http://thedailystar.net/2007/08/02/d70802061075.htm

Teasing forces another girl to commit suicide

Administrator — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 17:53:00 GMT

Teasing forces another girl to commit suicide
Staff Correspondent

Failing to endure repeated harassment and teasing by derailed youths, a teenage schoolgirl committed suicide in the city's Shyampur area yesterday.

Rani Bala, a class seven student of Eden High School at East Dholaipar, hanged herself from the ceiling of her house with a scarf at around 10:30am.

The harassment was so traumatising that the girl had even stopped going to school for the last two months, said the family members.

Her family has also been trying to move to other area in order to escape from such a terrible situation.

Rani committed suicide when her mother along with her little sister went outside to look for a suitable house for them.

Rani's father Nitai Bala, a carpenter, said he could not pay the house rent for the last three months. So, the caretaker of the house, Harunur Rashid, along with several local hoodlums always threatened him and teased his daughters, he added.

On Sunday noon, the youths beat up Nitai in front of his daughter Rani as he protested their heinous act. This incident might have made a strong impact on her mind, her father said.

Shyampur police picked up Harunur Rashid and a local youth Champa on charges of beating Nitai and teasing his daughters.

The body was taken to Dhaka Medical College Morgue for autopsy.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net/2007/05/09/d70509100798.htm

Investigative Report of HRCBM on murder of Ms. Shampa Sarkar (16) at Badda P.S., Dhaka

Administrator — Wed, 02 May 2007 04:26:00 GMT

Investigative Report of HRCBM on the incident of murder of Ms.Shampa Sarkar (16) –bride at East Merul – Badda P.S. within Dhaka Metropolitan City (Investigation conducted by HRCBM-Dhaka on 20th of April, 2007).

I, Adv.Rabindra Ghosh along with Noyan of HRCBM-Dhaka rushed to the spot on 20th of April, 07 as soon as we came to know that a newly married Shampa Rani was found hanged dead with the ceiling fan at the house of Gopal Das at East Merul within Badda police station, Dhaka.

GROUND INFORMATION :

Ms.Shampa Sarkar (16) daughter of Sukumar Sarkar (F) Ms.Alo Rani Sarkar (M) of village Kurlia, Uzirpur P.S., within Barisal district got married one Gopal Chandra Das son of Amar Chandra Das (20) on 27th November, 06 of East Merul –L-5, Badda P.S. Dahka-1212. The marriage was solemnized on November 27, 2006 through an Affidavit sworn in by Notary Public of Bangladesh duly attested by Md.Mahabub Hossain, Advocate Supreme Court of Bangladesh. The contents of the Affidavit seems that the marriage was due to love and affection between the couple, ultimately the marriage was recognized by both the sides.

Dead body of Shampa Sarkar was found hanging tied with a ceiling fan in the southern bed room of house of Gopal Candra Das on 4th of April, 2007 at about 9.00 p.m.at East Merual L-5 Badda P.S. four kilometers away from Badda Police Camp at Dhaka. But other members of the houses fled away soon after the occurrence. Sukumar Sarkar - father of the victim was given to understand that his eldest daughter- Shampa committed suicide on 04.04.2007 from unknown telephone call.

Sukumar Sarkar lodged F.I.R. at Badda Police station on 5th April, 07 against 1) Gopal Das, 2) Nani Das 3) Bina Das 4) Mati lal Das 6) Amar Das 7) Pintu Das under section 302/34 of the Penal code for alleged murder. The case has been registered as Badda P.S. case No. 17 dated 05.04.2007.

Badda Police sent the dead body of victim to Dhaka Medical College for morgue and made an inquest report on 05.04.2007.

INVESTIGATION :

We went to Badda police station at about 11 a.m. and met with I.O. of the case – Salauddin. He game us a copy of FIR lodged by Sukumar Sarkar on request and wanted to visit the spot. Accordingly we went to the house of bridegroom - Gopal Das at West Merul L-5, we found the house of Gopal under lock initiated by the local police and the police kept the keys of the house to one neighbor and met with some neighbor who are very much in panic to disclose anything to us. But they gave us the key of the house and they opened the house and we entered into the house and found two bedrooms and one kitchen and all the scattered belongings were lying there. We also came to know that other inmates of the house were absconding for fear of arrest.

Meeting with Sukumar Sarkar – father of the victim:

We also went to rented house of Sukumar Sarkar located at KA-40/1 Shajadpur Gulshan and found the members of their family, talked with Ms.Alo Rani - the mother of the victim girl burst into tears and sought for justice from us as their daughter has been brutally hanged to death after murder by the members of bridegroom. They also told us that the victim appeared at the S.S.C.Examination, but the members of the family did not like her to continue her study. They also expressed that there was continuous oppression upon the victim after the marriage. They also made an appeal to our Human Rights organization for proper justice. We taped the statements of father, mother and sister of the victim girl at our video camera. We also took pictures of the dead body of the victim from them.

Meeting with Salauddin – I.O. of Badda Police station :

We also met again with Md.Salauddin – the investigating officer of the case at Badda police station. During investigation he gave us to understand that the medical report with regard to death of the victim could not be obtained, as it was not returned from Dhaka Medical College. He also told us that he would submit charge sheet against the accused after getting medical report. He also expressed opinion that the dead due to strangulation.
It has also been made clear in his inquest preliminary report submitted on 05,-04,2007 that somebody killed the victim and the dead body hanged with the ceiling fan. But he could not ascertain us why those accused involved with in this murder were not arrested. But I.O. told us that it is the responsibility of the informant to find out the accused where they are absconding.

Meeting with Dr.Mizanul Hoque, Professor Forensic Department of DMC

On 21st of April 2007 at about 12 a.m I went to Dhaka Medical College along with father of victim and met with Dr.Mizanul Hoque at his office. Dr. Mizanul Hoque without looking into the documents of the victim – Shampa stated that the death is due to suicide and not strangulation. So he has already made up his mind to submit report as suicide.

We have also asked the medical board to justify their contention about the murder but the medical board seems to be silent over the matter and the postmortem report is far from satisfactory. The Medical Board seems to be annoyed with our investigation and they felt reluctant to take any picture of investigation.

Recommendations :

As per documents/pictures produced and the report submitted by police it has been established that the death of Ms.Shampa Sarkar is due to strangulation and after death the members of bridegroom family hanged the victim with the ceiling fan and concealed fact and committed serious crime against humanity. . But the statements of Dr.Mizanul Hoque of Forensic Department of DMC are far from circumstantial evidences.

HRCBM believes that this is a planned murder of an innocent and newly wed girl at the initial stage of her life. We urge the law enforcing agency of Bangladesh to take up the case, apprehend the killers and bring them to justice. The perpetrators must be dealt with iron hands immediately so that they cannot dare to commit such heinous crimes in the future. We request the office of the Caretaker Government of Bangladesh to take appropriate steps and help bringing the perpetrators to justice according to law.

We came back from Badda at about 6 p.m.

Prepared by: Adv. Rabindra Ghosh

Submitted by:
(Adv.Rabindra Ghosh)
President,
HRCBM-Dhaka,Bangladesh.

HRCBM Investigative Report of Murder of Ms. Rita Rani Das

Administrator — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 04:40:00 GMT

Investigative Report of Murder of Ms.Rita Rani Das took place on 14th of January 2007 at Motijheel P.S, Dhaka (Investigative report of HRCBM-Dhaka conducted on 08.03.2007)

I, on behalf of HRCBM-Dhaka Adv.Rabindra Ghosh along with Babul Chandra Das rushed to the spot on the basis and application of Ms.Milan Bala Das proceeded to investigate the incident of murder of Ms.Rita Rani Das on 7th March,07 at the spot at 16/A Dhaka Railway Quarter where the victim was strangulated to death.

View FIR and General Diary in photo section.

Back-Ground Information:

Ms. Rita Rani Das (20) was the youngest daughter of her father Pran.Ballav .Malakar and mother – Milan Bala Das of 450/1 Sailendra Chowdhury Road by lane P.O. Custom Academy P.S. Pahartali, District- Chittagong married to one Shymal Chandra Das (26) on 2nd of November,,2006.Rita Rani got her mother Ms Milan Bala Das and elder brother Sumon Das only. But within two and half months of her marriage Ms.Rita Rani curiously murdered on 14.01.2007 at the Railway Quarter No.16/A of the husband- Sahjanpur Railway Colony, Motijheel, Dhaka.

Ms.Milan Bala Das(52) – mother of the victim-girl lodged F.I.R. at Motijheel Police station at Dhaka against three perpetrators including Shymol Chandra Das under section 302/34 of Penal code registered as Motijheel P.S. case No. 20 dated 15.01.2007. But before arrest all the perpetrators took anticipatory bail from the High Court on 06.02.2007.

After getting bail from the High Court the perpetrators threatened the bereaved informant not to proceed with the murder case; otherwise they might be killed. Accordingly the informant – Milan Bala Das noted a General diary entry No.1098 dated 13.03.2007 at Motijheel Police station for future course of action.

We HRCBM-Dhaka have also investigated the case at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on 08.03.2007 and found that the post mortem report submitted by Assistant Professor of Forensic Department. The report dated 16th January, 07 shows that the murder is a result of manual strangulation (throttling), which was homicidal in nature.

Meeting with Mr.Abul Hossain Moral – Officer-in-charge of Motijheel Police station:

The O.C. Motijheel admitted that the positive post mortem report has been received and they would act on the basis of that report and charge sheet against the perpetrators would be submitted very soon.

We had also discussion with the victim’s mother, relations and other witnesses and all the witnesses admitted that the murder is completely and cold-blooded murder and they seek justice from the court.

Recommendations:

HRCBM-Dhaka is greatly concerned at the brutal murder of Ms.Rita Rani Das by her husband. We are also concerned about anticipatory bail granted by the court to the perpetrators, although the bail is a right of a person, but if the bail is misused the state has got responsibility to apprehend the perpetrators against humanity again as G.D. entry filed by informant knowing impending danger.

HRCBM believes that this is a planned murder of an innocent and newly wed girl at the initial stage of her life. We urge the law enforcing agency of Bangladesh to take up the case, apprehend the killers and bring them to justice. The perpetrators must be dealt with iron hands immediately so that they cannot dare to commit such heinous crimes in the future. We request the office of the Care Taker Government of Bangladesh to take appropriate steps and help bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Prepared and submitted by: -

(Adv.Rabindra Ghosh)
President, HRCBM-Dhaka, Bangladesh

This case reminds us gruesome murder of Nandita Saha who was murdered two and a half months of her marriage. --HRCBM

Criminals forcefully grabbed home of Parameshwar Chandra Das- a sightless minority

Administrator — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 02:58:00 GMT

Criminals forcefully grabbed home of Parameshwar Chandra Das- a sightless minority

Investigative Report of HRCBM on the incident of murder of Rajib Sutradhar – a Hindu minority youth at Katakhali, P.S. Trishal, Dist. Mymensingh

Administrator — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 04:01:00 GMT

Investigative Report of Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities on the incident of murder of Rajib Sutradhar – a Hindu minority youth at Katakhali, P.S. Trishal, Dist. Mymensingh (Investigation conducted by HRCBM-Dhaka on 01.12.06)

See FIR in the Photo section at Rajit Sutradhar

I, Adv. Rabindra Ghosh along with Prof. Asoke Toru of HRCBM-Dhaka reached at Trisal police station within the district of Mymensingh on way to Neamatpur of Kishoreganaj district as per report published in the newspaper – The daily “Sangbad” dated 11.11.2006 with regard to murder of Rajib Sutradhar aged about 17.

BACK-GROUND INFORMATION: -

Rajib Sutradhar (17) son of Badal Chandra Sutradhar( 45) (F) Chandana Rani Sutradhar (35) (M) was the permanent youth of Bangladesh and residing at Katakahli, P.S. Trishal, Dist. Mymensingh with his legal guardians. Rajib was the examinee of Secondary School Certificate, he could not succeed last year and was preparing himself for next SSC examination. The economic condition of the family is not good. He is the only son of the family. He was boy of good amiable disposition and has no enmity with any of his associates/friends.

On 07.11.2006 at about 2 p.m. his friend Md. Harunar Rashid @ Maksud son of Abdul Quddus Meah of the neighboring locality came to the house of Rajib and asked Rajib to accompany him to an unknown place, but Rajib did not agree to accompany him and as a result there was altercation between them. But once again at about 7.15 p.m. when Rajib was busy with the study, Md.Harunar Rashid approached and wanted Rajib for mutual interest. For sometime a gossiped with his grandfather – Dherendra Chandra Sutradhar and at last he managed to took him out of the house. At the time of departure he asked his aunt – Protima Rani Sutradhar about the time – she answered it was 7.29 p.m. But ill luck would have it Rajib did not turn up even after 9 p.m., his father went to the house of Md. Harunar Rashid and asked mother of Md.Harunar Rashid about their children. In reply they informed that Md. Harunar Rashid has not yet come to his house. Finding no other alternative father of victim being accompanied with Mr. Kitab Ali son of late Moinuddin Sheik of the same locality went to the house of Md.Harunar Rashid. When asked about his son Md. Harunar Rashid denied his involvement. After his denial, a local member – A Rahaman Dulal son of late Habibur Rahman, Md. Ayub Ali son of late Abdur Rahman, Md. Saidur Rahman son of late Solaiman, Md. Abdur Kader, Md. Bablu Meah son of late Mizana, Anwar Hossain son of late A. Hakim, Md. A.Kalam son of Hajee Nayan Ali of the same locality interrogated Md. Harunar Rashid @ Maksud and pressed him to confess the truth. After long interrogation Maksud admitted that the side of a shallow machine of Khora Haazir Bari under Fulbaria police station saw the victim. Having been informed so; all the people stated above searched the victim –Rajib at different places on that night, but to no purpose. At last they confined Maksud in a room.

On the next day, 8th November, 06 at about 9 a.m. in the morning they got an information through Kitab Ali that Rajib was found hanging with a rope on a Pine apple tree at a place called “ Madhur Bitha” of Kalibazail under Fulbaria police satiation. All of them along with elite of the village rushed to the spot and recovered the dead body of Rajib Sutradhar in presence of the O.C. Fulbaria Police station.

A case being Trishal P.S. Case No.09 dated 07.11.2006 under section 302/34/201 of Bangladesh Penal code has been started by Badal Chandra Sutradhar – father of the victim of Trishal police station under Mymensingh district as the jurisdiction of the case falls within Trishal Police station.

Investigation :

We have reached Trishal police station at about 6 p.m. and found Tarapada Sikder – Officer-in charge of Police station posted as O.C.recently, we have received a copy of F.I.R. lodged by father of the victim-boy. We also found the I.O. of the case who told us that the Additional Superintendent of Police, Mymensingh would conduct an investigation on this brutal murder at his office. Accordingly we went to the office of Superintendent of Police, Myamensingh and found the local Dhonighola U,.P. Member- A.Rahaman Dulal (Telephone No. 017124064501) expressed that the perpetrator along with his two friends Abdul Hamid son of Abdul Hakim Khalifa of Katakhali village, Md. Alauddisan (25) son of late Keramat Ali of Ichail – Fulbaria P.S. and Minir son of A. Karim Master of Kali Bazail, P.S. Fulbaria conspired beforehand to kill the victim-Rajib behind the shop of Alauddian. The following witnesses present at the time of our investigation and deposed that the victim was strangulated to death and hanged the dead body in the Pineapple tree with active conspiracy other conspirators to grab the property of the victim family. Their statements have been videotaped.

1.Ms.Hena Rani Sutradhar (40) wife of Nirmal Chandra Sutradhar
2. Nirmal Chandra Sutradhar (45) son of Dhirendra Chandra Sutradhar.
3. Md. Bazalur Rahman (30) son of late Mizan Ali Mondala
4. Md. Abdual Quddus (45) son of late Umed Ali Mridha.
5. Bipul Chandra Sutradhar son of Nirendra Chandra Sutradhar
6. Md. Saidul Islam Mondal (40) son of late Solaiman Mondal
7. Md. Anwar Hossaian (30) late Abdul Hakim
8. Nirendra Chandra Sutradhar (70) late Sadhana Chandra Sutradhar.
9. Ms.Pratima Ranai Sutradhar (20) wife of Promode Chandra Sutradhar.
10.Promode Chandra Sudradhar (35) son of Dhirendra Chandra Sutradhar.
11.Kitab Ali son of late Naimuddin.

Misbehavior of Additional Superintendent of Police, Mymensingh

We, on 2.12.06 at about 10 a.m. politely sought help from Superintendent of Police, Mymensingh for smooth investigation by our HR group in this murder case, but the Additional Superintendent of Police –Mymensingh most discourteously disconnected our Mobile phone and misbehaved with us, which could not be taped due to shortage of time. He wanted us not to investigate the matter.

Statement of parents of the victim :

Ms.Chandana Rani Sutradhar and Badal Chandra Sutradhar –mother and father of the victim respectively cried out and vehemently made perpetrators along with principal accused- Md.Harunar Rashid responsible for abduction and killing of their son – Rajib Sutradhar and prayed for legal help in this connection. The perpetrators made efforts to make the case as suicidal and they hanged Rajib with a rope under pineapple treee. They also gave us a written appeal for their help and financial assistance and for protection of their lives also on 2.12.06. They also informed us that due to their religious faith they are being discriminated many times in that village. They got no justice mostly from the neighboring people because of their religious faith. We have videotaped their statements in presence of other witnesses present on 02.12.2006.

Findings and Recommendations:

Brutal murder of Hindu youth - Rajib Sutradhar is a heinous offence. It is pre-meditated and cold-blooded murder. But reason of such murder ascertained by our Human rights group, from various sources, is completely out of fundamentalist attitude upon a minority Hindu family. The perpetrators wanted to grab the landed properties belonging to this Hindu family, as there are no other more Hindus within the locality, but we observed some local Muslims have discovered perpetrators, dead body although there is conflict amongst the Muslims of that area.

There was no change in the status of respect for religious freedom during the period covered by this report. Citizens were generally free to practice the religion of their choice; however, government officials, including the police, were often ineffective in upholding law and order and were sometimes slow to assist religious minority victims of harassment and violence. The Government and many civil society leaders think that violence against religious minorities normally had political or economic motivations and could not be attributed only to religion. But in some cases religion and amended laws of the country are the factor for survival of the religious minorities in Bangladesh, such as (i) Islam as State religion, (ii) Striking out the state principle “Secularism” from the Constitution and (iii) Vested (Enemy) Property Act- a black law.

In this case although police arrested one perpetrator, but the investigation process seems to be slow and there is little chance of getting justice from the court of law as some witnesses have become hostile due to religious belief.

1) The Minorities should be protected and their rights to enjoy living peacefully in their homestead should be ensured.
2) The perpetrators of such heinous crime against humanity should be brought to book and deterrent punishment should be awarded for such crime.
3) The Government should adequately compensate the family members of the victim-youth so that they can survive in the society with dignity.
4) Perfunctory investigation by the police should not be done so as to enable justice seekers to get justice without any iota of doubt.
5) All International protocols including International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESR), ratified by Bangladesh should be acted upon meticulously.
6) Convention on the Rights of Child ratified by the Government of Bangladesh should be implemented.

We have proceeded to Kishoreganj district towards Neamatpur on the night for another investigation of rape case of Ms.Nidra Rani Monirishi and her sister.

Through:

Rabindra Ghosh
President-HRCBM-Dhaka-Bangladesh.
www.hrcbm.org
www.hrcbmdfw.org

HRCBM Investigative Report on gang rape of Minority Hindu Women – Ms. Bharati Rani Roy (25) of Meduari, P.S. Bhaluka District-Mymensingh

Administrator — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 05:23:00 GMT

Investigative Report of Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities-Dhaka-Bangladesh on gang-rape on Minority Hindu Women – Ms.Bharati Rani Roy (25) of Meduari, P.s. Bhaluka District-Mymensingh. Gang-rape took place on 03.11.06. (Investigation conducted by HRCBM on 1.12.2006)

I, Adv.Rabindra Ghosh, Prof. Ashoke Toru, and Kanchan Chakravorty of HRCBM-Dhaka proceeded to spot as soon as we came to know the incident of gang-rape on a destitute Minority Hindu woman – Ms. Bharati Rani Roy took place on 03.11.2006 published in the national daily “ Sangbad” dated 11.11.2006 280 kilometers away from Dhaka to Mymensingh District.

BACK GROUND INFORMATION :

Ms. Bharati Rani Roy aged about 25 years wife of Haragopal Roy (45) is the permanent citizen residing at village - Meduari, P.S. Bhaluka, District – Mymensingh. They are peace-loving and simple family living peacefully at their house with their one son aged about 7 and a daughter aged about 5. The guardian of the family Haragopal Roy lives on small business.

On 3rd November, 2006 at about 10.30 p.m. the perpetrators namely- 1) Mofizuddin (35) son of Ramjan Ali of Meduari, P.s. Bhaluka. Mofizuddin 2) Fakrul Islam @ Abu (36) son of Abdul Motaleb of Shapkhali -Trishal P.S. and 3) Sadhan Chandra Mondal (35) son of late Madhab Chandra Mondal of Gujian – Trishal P.s. within the district of Mymensingh conspired to commit crime in the house of Ms.Bharati Rani. They, with ill motive and knowing fully well of the absence of husband –Haragopal in wait and as soon as the victim came out to response to natural call, forcefully entered into the house of the victim and embraced her and begun to rape against her will one by one. The victim tried her to save herself from their grip and called allowed to help but to no purpose. All her efforts ended in smoke. At this the perpetrators flew into enrage and begun to beat the victim mercilessly with a blunt weapon. As a result of hue and cry her minor son woke up suddenly from sleep and cried out at the top of his voice. The people of the neighboring houses came to see what happened. By this time the perpetrators fled away and the victim recognized all the perpetrators. As the victim was almost unconscious some Dr. Kanchan of the locality took her to Bhaluka Upazilla hospital along with her husband who made his appearance on the spot soon after the incident of gang-rape was over on 4.11.2006.

The victim lodged F.I.R. being Bhalauka P.S. case Number 05 dated 05.11.2006 at Baluka police station under section 9(3)/30 of Nari-O-Shishu Nirjatan Ain,2003 (Amended) against the rapists – Mofizuddin, Fakrul Islam and Sadhan Chandra.

Investigation :

Meeting with Ali Asgar Gazi- officer-in-charge and I.O. of the case :

Initially we have reached Bhaluka police station at about 12.35 p.m. and found the second officer of the P.S. and second officer informed us that the Officer-in-Charge was out of station as he went to enquire into the allegation of gang- rape along with S.I. Abul Hossain in the spot at Meduari .After a while Ali Asgar Gazi , newly posted Officer-in-charge of Bhaluka P.S. came and we met with him and asked whether the victim was gang-raped or not . The O.C. admitted that the victim was raped by Mofizuddin but he did not believe other two perpetrators namely Kamrul and Sadhan Cnandra were involved with such heinous offence. He also gave us a copy of FIR signed by the victim and names of the three perpetrators and specific allegation against them was in existence. The O.C. told us the perpetrators should be punished. We requested him to accompany S.I. Abul Hossain – the I.O. of the case with us at the spot and we, along with S.I. Abul Hossain, reached at the spot at Meduari near Haragopal Hat 14 kilometers from Bhaluka police station and found the victim, her husband, son and daughter and other witnesses available during our investigation 3.30 p.m.

We have asked S.I. Abul Hossain why he could not arrest the rapists although the accused was seen in his Madrasha. We also asked whether he visited his Madrasha or not. The I.O. replied that he did not visit the Madrsha where the perpetrator – Mafizuddin serves, but he continued to say that he visited the relatives of the perpetrators two times, but he is not found.

Statement of victim – Ms. Bharati Rani :

We asked the victim whether she has been raped by three perpetrators or not, she replied with shameful eye that she has been raped by 1)Mafizuddin, 2) Fakrul @ Abu and 3) Sadhan Chandra one after another on the night of 3rd of November,06 without her consent by forceful means and the rapists also mercilessly beaten her with blunt weapon causing serious infliction on her body. She also explained that the rapists could realize that her husband was away from their house and they got opportunity to rape her one after another although there was resistance on her part to prevent them to save her chastity. The victim was taken to local Bhaluka Upazila Hospital for treatment and thereafter she has been sent to Mymensingh Medical College for better treatment and examination on 6th Nov, 06. The victim – Ms. Bharati sought our full co-operation and cried out for proper justice. Due to this incident her husband became angry with her because she opened the door of the house facilitating the rapists to enter into the room, but she explained to us that she came out of the room for natural call as there was no latrine/toilet into their house where she was gang-raped. Ms.Bharati has also submitted an appeal to us praying for legal help and also for rehabilitation of her minor children. She also made an allegation against Dr. Md. Anwar Hussain, MBBS who examined her on 06.11.2006 relating to sexual intercourse by Mymensingh Medical College. But the Medical report submitted by him is not in accordance with the history as stated by the victim, and as such she rejected the report as biased and concocted. She totally denied the history made by the doctor capriciously. She also given us to understand that all these discrimination has been done due to her religious belief, constant persecution and torture upon the religious minorities still going on.

Statement of the husband of the victim – Haragopal Roy

We have interrogated Haragopal Roy why and how his wife was gang-raped. Haragopal in reply expressed that her wife was not only gang- raped in his absence but in presence of their minor children also the victim was mercilessly beaten by accused- Mofizuddin – employee of the local Madrasha on 03.11.06 causing severe injury at her body. He also continued to express that they are not in a position to stay in the home due to continuous persecution and torture upon them and it has become regular feature in this minority area. He sought exemplary punishment of the perpetrators of crime against humanity.

Statements of the local witnesses at the spot:

We could ask the following witnesses available during our investigation and they expressed with dismay that no perpetrator has yet been arrested by police since 5.11.2006 and there is anxiety of the police to bring the offenders to justice. The perpetrators are threatening them to withdraw the case. All their statements have been video taped.

1) Nagarbashi (65) son of late Nadiram Mondal
2) Suruj Meah (40) son of Md. Zahedul Islam – a businessman
3) Abdul Gaffar (56) son of Sahed Ali Mondal
4) Zahangir Alam (35) son of Abdul Latif Master
5) Ms. Dropodi Rani Mondal (45) wife of Nagarbashi Mondal
6) Ms. Sanchita Rani Mondal(28) wife of Nakul Chandra Mondal
7) Ms.Radha Rani Mondal (30) wife of Rabindra Chandra Mondal
8) Ms. Bilashi Rani Mondal (45) wife of Jitendra Chandra Mondal
9) Ms. Maya Rani Sarkar (22) wife of Tapan Chandra Sarkar
10) Haragopal Roy (45)

Meeting with the Doctor of Forensic Medicine at Mymensingh Medical College:

We have gone to Mymensingh Medical College and met with the doctor. The doctor told us that no signs of forceful sexual act were found on her, but there were signs of physical assault which were about two to three days old. They were inflicted by blunt weapon. But the doctor did not show us any evidence to prove that the victim as stated as history in column number 11 of the medical report as genuine. As per version of the victim she did never tell to doctor with regard to previous love and habitual intercourse with rapist – Mofizuddin and or her husband compelled her to lodge FIR against Mafiz, Fakrul and Sadhan.

The doctor of Forensic Medicine Department miserably failed to explain to us why they have become more enthusiastic to note down the History of the victim at column No.11 of the report in Bengali language, although they got no investigating power to extract confessional statement as to whether the victim has got previous intercourse with the perpetrators or not. The doctor has got no power to write whimsical statement of the victim without any basis.

Findings and Recommendations:

The Medical report of the victim prepared on 18.11.2006 and submitted by Dr.Md.Anwar Hussain, Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic medicine, Mymensingh Medical College is far from truth. The report is quite redundant and statements as noted in column number 11 is capricious and as per version of the victim she did never express to any doctor relating to previous intercourse with the rapist nor she tells anything as stated in column number 11 of the medical report on 06.11.2066. So the report is false, discriminatory and can not be relied upon. But the report might be an instrument for acquittal of the rapists during trial in the court.

Secondly the Investigating Officer of Bhaluka police. is not vigilant to apprehend the perpetrators of crime nor he took any initiative to give proper justice to gang-raped victim. Rather the I.O. tried to delay the process of investigation presumably to encourage the perpetrators to commit such crime in future.

We observed discriminatory treatment upon this destitute minority victim in the Department of Forensic and Medicine Mymensingh Medical College. The doctors on duty should be cautious and careful about such heinous crimes against humanity.

The state failed to provide or to ensure the medical facilities for the destitute minority victim and deliberately suppressed the material facts and thus committed breach of national laws and also violated the UN declaration on the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and also violated other international protocols ratified by the Government of Bangladesh.

(a) The rights of Minorities should be protected,
(b) The perpetrators of crime should be brought to book in accordance with the provision
of law, and
( c) The victim of gang- rape should be adequately compensated.
(d) Sexual harassment upon the minority women should be stopped.
(e) Signs of Physical assault inflicted on the victim by blunt weapon as reported by the doctor should be identified and the perpetrators should be punished.

We have proceeded towards Trishal Police station for another investigation where a Minority Hindu boy- Rajib Chandra Sutradhar was hanged to murder.

Prepared and submitted by:

(Adv.Rabindra Ghosh)
President-HRCBM-Dhaka-Bangladesh.

HRCBM Investigates Karimganj rape case in Kishoreganj District

Administrator — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 03:04:00 GMT

Nidra Rani Monirishi was raped by 1) Golap Meah 2) Hafiz Meah 3) Kamal Meah 4) Babul Meah and 5) Parvez of Neyamatpur village in presence of her mother and father on 7th of November, 2006.

Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities and Global Human Rights Defense jointly held a Press conference on 8th of December,06 at the National Press Club-Dhaka at about 3.00 p.m.

The victim's mother - (1) Ms. Chanchala Rani Monirishi (Das) Age-44 (2) Ms. Nidra Rani Monirishi (Das) Age -16 (3) Binata Rani Monirishi Age-13 were present in the Press Conference on the dias.

The journalists put questions on them and they stated their ordeal and cried loudly for proper justice of the perpetrators at village : Neyamatpur, Karimganj P.S., Kishoreganj district.

It may be mentioned that the HRCBM and GHRD jointly investigated this rape incident at the spot on 2nd of December, 2006.

The investigative report in details will follow.

Rabindra Ghosh.
President-HRCBM-Dhaka

Terrorists set two Hindu temples on fire and destroyed idols in Faridpur district. Members of minority community are living in fear and panic.

Administrator — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 04:22:00 GMT

Terrorists set two Hindu temples on fire and destroyed idols in Faridpur district. Members of minority community are living in fear and panic.

An adolescent Minority girl in Karimganj Upazila of Kishorganj district raped before her parents, the minority community is living in fear.

Administrator — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 06:14:00 GMT

An adolescent Minority girl in Karimganj Upazila of Kishorganj district raped before her parents, the minority community in fear.(The Daily Sangbad, 13th November 06)

Our Correspondent

KARIMGANJ (KISHORGANJ), November 13: According to an allegation, some debauchees raped an adolescent minority girl of a Rishi (cobbler) family keeping tied the parents of the girl with rope. Police recovered the victim and sent her to Kishorganj Modern Hospital for medical tests. Mother of the victim lodged a case in this connection with Karimganj police station. The incident took place in village Rishipara within Niatpur union of Karimganj Upazila of Kishoreganj District. A panic is prevailing among the minority of the area over the incident.

According to police and local people, the householder was sleeping in the house along with his wife and two daughters. Miru Hossain’s son Golam Miah(30), Suraj Ali’s son Kamal Miah (35), Mati Miah’s son Babul Miah, Chandu Miah’s son Parvez (27) and Hafiz of nearby Niamatpur village entered the house at the dead of night and kept tied the parents of the girl with rope at gun point and then raped the adolescent girl. During that time, another debauchee tried to rape another daughter (14) of them but the girl fled the house and took shelter into a jungle behind the house and thus she saved her chastity. The rapist fled the spot after the local people came forward when they heard the screaming of the family members. The mother of the victim lodged a case with Karimganj police station in this connection against five persons accusing Golap as main perpetrator of crime.

Through:
Rabindra Ghosh
President, HRCBM-Dhaka,Bangladesh.

Dead body of a Hindu minority youth recovered in Trishal Upazila of Mymensingh district

Administrator — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 01:37:00 GMT

Dead body of a Hindu minority youth recovered in Trishal Upazila of Mymensingh district (The Daily Sangbad, 11th November 06)

Our Correspondent

TRISHAL (MYMENSINGH), November 11: The police recovered the dead body of a Hindu minority youth named Rajib Shutradhor (17) hanging in the tree in Trishal Upazila of Mymensingh district. It was learnt that someone called Rajib of village Katakhali from his house on Tuesday and Rajib went with them. The dead body of Rajib hanging in the tree was found on Wednesday morning. Masud, son of Kuddus Master was arrested on suspicion in this connection. There is a curiosity among the local people of whether it is a murder or suicide.

Through :
Rabindra Ghosh
President, HRCBM-Dhaka

A minority housewife gang-raped at Vhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district. Threat of murder for withdrawal of case

Administrator — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 01:35:00 GMT

A minority housewife gang-raped at Vhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district. Threat of murder for withdrawal of case (The Daily Sangbad, 11th November 06)

Our Correspondent

VHALUKA (MYMENSINGH), November 11: A Hindu minority housewife in Vhaluka Upazila of Mymensingh district got victim of gang rape. According to an allegation, the rapists are now threatening the complainant of the rape case for withdrawal of the case. It was learnt that Fakrul (35), son of Abdul Motaleb of village Meduari along with his two accomplices Mafiz Uddin(35) and Sadhon(32) gang raped the minority housewife of the same village when she went outside at 10 pm night on November 3 to attend the call of nature. The husband after returning from the bazaar found his wife in the state of injury and later the husband took her to a local hospital. Later the police referred the minority housewife to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital for medical tests. The victim registered a rape case with Vhaluka police station in this connection. On the other hand, the influential rapists continuously threaten the victim to withdraw the rape case.

Through :
Rabindra Ghosh
President, HRCBM-Dhaka

Investigative Report of HRCBM-Dhaka on the incident of desecration of Durga Mandir and Kali Mandir and continuous repression on Minority Hindu families at Hatbaligaon, Tongibari P.S. District- Munshiganj

Administrator — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 18:15:00 GMT

Investigative Report of Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities-Dhaka on the incident of desecration of Durga Mandir and Kali Mandir and continuous repression on Minority Hindu families at Hatbaligaon, Tongibari P.S. District- Munshiganj (Investigation conducted by HRCBM-Dhaka on 07.10.2006)

I, Adv. Rabindra Ghosh along with Tusher Kanti Saha and Nil Kamal Saha of HRCBM-Dhaka went to Hatbaligaon – Tongibari within the district of Munshiganj proceeded towards Hatbaligaon by bus on the written request of the victims, reached there within 2 hours from Dhaka at about 1 p.m. Before our visit we talked with Mr. Nurul Amin Sardar – Supdt.of Police, Munshiganj on 06.10.2006 over telephone who denied the allegation of desecration of temple and repression on the minorities.

Back-ground Information:

Moni Para is a village at Hatbaligaon within Tongibari P.S. District – Munshiganj , 300 Hindu minority families live there by profession – cobblers and small businessmen. Since one hundred years ago the minority families celebrate Durga Puja – Kali Puja every year within the plot No. 321 as deity’s property with full enthusiasm. But the said plot of land had been declared as Vested (Enemy) Property and the Government gave lease to some Muslim inhabitants migrated from India. A civil suit was filed by the owner of the land in the court and the court delivered judgment in favor of the original Hindu owner by its judgment and decree dated 28.01.1998. Government filed appeal in the court of District Judge and succeeded. The owner of the land filed Civil Revision in the High Court Division and the High Court was pleased to stay the judgment of the District Judge and an order of statuesque has been granted on 17.04.2000 which was dully served upon the Deputy Commissioner, Munshiganj for compliance.

During the statuesque order of High Court the land grabbers with ill motive with the connivance of the administration attacked the Durga and Kali Temple at Baligaon and perpetrators tried to occupy the land on 24.12.2004 and cut down six heads of Durga, Ganesh, Kartick, Laksmi, Sarwasti and Ashura respectively. Accordingly a case was filed at Tongibari police station being Tongibari P.S. Case No. 11 dated 24.12.2004 under section 448/295 of Bangladesh Penal Code for defaming Hindu religion, but this case ended in smoke without any result.

As the police did not take any action against the perpetrators previously for such offence, the perpetrators being encouraged again attacked Durga and Kali Temple on 03.10.2006 and assaulted the deities in the temple. As a result some minority women and children were physically assaulted. A case has been registered in Tongibari Police station on 07.10.2006 under section 447/295/354/506 of Bangladesh Penal Code

Investigation:

We started investigation at Hat Baligaon Market relating to ownership of land, we scrutinized the related documents are in favor of the Hindu owner and Kali Bari has been incorporated in C.S. Khatian and we asked as many as 60 witnesses including the perpetrators in the spot. Two local reporters were also present and they tried to convince us that the properties in question are Vested Property and lease should be given to lessees as per vested property Ordinance. All the statements of victims, witnesses and perpetrators have been video taped.

Sunil Moni Das (50) son of Late Kuriswar Das
Parimal Mani Das (45) son of Nikunja Moni Das
Nil Kamal Moni Das (28) Sunil Mni Das
Ms.Kishore Moni Das d/o Late Haripada Das
Bijoy Mani Das son of late Nishikanta Das
Denesh Moni Das (40) son of Budai Moni Das
Ms.Raimoni Das (35) d/o Nikunja Moni Das
Narayan Moni Das (50) Hari Mani Das
Nikunja Moni Das son of late Maniram Das
Gosta Moni Das (40) son of late Nishikanta Moni Das

The following minority women and children have been injured and molested during attack: on 03.10.2006.

1. Ms.Babita Rani , 2. Ms. Shymoli Rani, 3. Ms. Mina Rani and 4) Moni Ram Rishi . We have asked the minority women and children and they described their ordeal and demanded punishment of the perpetrators of crime. They also described that in the year, 2004 their Goddess Durga Devi, Saraswari Devi, Laksmi Devi, Ganesh and Kartick were desecrated and heads of Goddess were cut into pieces, but they got no justice from the local administration and police, although the police recovered and seized broken deities from the spot after the occurrence.

Md. Ibrahim Meah – the Union Assistant Land Officer of Munshiganj served a notice on 04.10.2006 upon Hindu minority occupants directing them to demolish structures of deities within 7 days, otherwise appropriate necessary action would be taken. On receipt of the notice the minority occupants approached to the Thana Nirbahi Officer (TNO) to withdraw the notice, but the TNO most illegally and without any lawful authority verbally directed the minority owners to vacate the land.

We have also asked the local people and they appraised us that the minority Hindu community had been worshiping Puja since 100 years ago and some land grabbers were trying to grab the land demolishing structures thereon.

We found a news published in the daily “ Janakantha” dated 26.12.2004 that six Murthis (deities ) had been demolished before Durga Puja in the year,2004 and a case was registered in Tongibari P.S. on 07.10.2004, but no action has been taken against the perpetrators of crime.

We also found a judgment and decree passed by the Assistant Judge – Munshiganj in favor of minority owner 28.01.1998, later it was stayed by the District Judge and thereafter on revision in the High Court directed the parties to maintain statuesque by its order dated 17.04.2000.

But it strange that during the statuesque order by the High Court the Government officials of land revenue without any lawful authority tried to demolish the structure of the deity on the suit-land on the date of Bijoya Dashami in writing which is not only contempt of court but an outrageous.

Meeting with the 2nd Officer of Tongibari Police station:

We have gone to Tongibari Police station on 07.10.2006 at about 4 p.m. and we found 2nd officer of the police station and handed him over the written FIR made by Parimal Chandra Moni. But the second officer could not answer why the Officer-in-charge did not take any FIR despite his visit to the spot on 03.10.2006

Meeting with the Thana Nirbahi Officer (TNO) Tongibari :

We have gone to the official residence of TNO after Iftar and we found him to some extent annoyed with us and he denied the allegation of attack, but when the female victims started to describe the ordeal then he could realize the situation how they have been persecuted and tortured by the perpetrators of crime. We showed him the order of the High Court and the receipt thereof endorsed by the Deputy .Commissioner’s Memo. No. 889/1 dated 11.07.2000 but initially he denied the existence of any such order of the court. The TNO subconsciously tried to avoid the incident of such minority repression which is suppression of facts.

We found the Government officials neglected to take any action in meting out justice to the minority community:-

Why the order of statuesque granted by the High Court was not complied by Thana Nirbahi Officer (TNO) Tongibari despite the knowledge of such order.

Why the Notice violating the order of the court issued by Md. Ibrahim Meah Union Land Officer directed the minority community to demolish the structures on the Temple.

Why the lease of the private properties in the name of vested property should not be treated as illegal and without any lawful authority.

Why the Police officer of Tongibari P.S. did not take any action against the perpetrators of crime committed earlier against religion cutting heads of the deities arising out of his P.S. Case No.11 dated 24.12.2000.

Why the Police officer of Tongibari P.S. did not arrest the perpetrators despite specific allegation of attack on temple as well as on the women and children was made in Tongibari P.S. case No. 07 dated 03.10.2006 second time.

The Officer-in-charge visited the spot on the date of occurrence, but why he did not arrest the perpetrators despite specific allegation against Ruhul Amin Munshi was made by several witnesses.

Recommendation and Opinion:

State has totally failed to protect the rights of minority and thus committed a breach of principles of the charter of the UNO under Article -4(2) on Declaration on the Rights of persons belonging to National or Ethnic, religious and Linguistic Minorities in not providing any legal help to the victims. State should take measures to create favorable conditions to enable persons belonging to minorities to express their characteristics and to develop their culture, language, religion, traditions and customs, except where specific practices are in violation of national law and contrary to international standards. Bangladesh Minorities should be protected and their right of culture, tradition and customs should be protected. The perpetrators of crime against humanity, against religion and desecration of deities should be brought to book according to law. Terrorism sponsored the local administration should be stopped forthwith.

We came back from Munshiganj at about 10-30 p.m. at night on the same day.

Prepared and submitted by:
(Adv.Rabindra Ghosh)
President-HRCBM-Dhaka-Bangladesh.