Convicted criminal Afzal Hossain, recently punished for for breaking explosive material laws, has been abducted. His family members claim that a group of men came last night, all clad in white, forced him onto a micro bus and took off. Mr Afzal of course is a prominent face amongst BNP leaders and activists in Pahartoli thana. In addition he is a vocal supporter of influential BNP leader Abdullah Al Noman as well.
On 2012, Mr Afzal was penalized by Extra Mohanagari Daira Judge Court, Chittagong, over allegations of abusing explosive materials. He was handed a 7 year prison sentence. Apart from Afzal Hossain, there were 4 others who were named as perpetrators alongside him on of whom, a Mr Mohammed Sohel was arrested at the scene of the crime. The rest are reportedly in hiding. The names of the remaining accused are Mohammed Shariful Islam, Cholim Uddin and Niaz Iqbal.
Meanwhile Mr Afzal Hossain’s family claim that Afzal is a victim of political power play here. He hasn’t been able to return home after the case reached a verdict. But Mr Afzal’s mother fell seriously ill and upon hearing the news Mr Afzal chose to pay her a visit in secret. However the news of his arrival was leaked somehow, which consequently led to his arrest by a group of men donning white coloured garments.
Mr Afzal’s father Mr. Farid Ahmed informed our correspondent that, “My son was abducted on the dead of night. A group of policemen, all clothed in white, claimed that they were representatives of DB and held us at gunpoint. They also warned us that if we pursue this they will kill us.” Mr Farid Ahmed also informed us that his son planned to appeal the initial verdict at a higher court. Our family had already appointed a lawyer to explore that possibility.
When we contacted the Pahartoli Police Station’s OC regarding this matter, we were informed that the police knew nothing of it. Furthermore we were told that Afzal and his other fugitive collaborators, were all devious criminals.
While the police are actively looking for them there have no reports of any recent arrests made. He also rejected the claims of “arrest and abduction” made by Mr Afzal’s family.
RTB/Chittogong/PT-NB
