From rxpgnews.com
'Custodial death' of Bangladesh leader condemned
By IANS,
Apr 2, 2007 - 6:43:40 PM
New Delhi, April 2 - A rights' body Monday condemned the alleged custodial killing of a tribal leader in Bangladesh and urged leaders of the subcontinent to intervene in the matter.
'Choles Ritchil, a leading Garo leader of Bangladesh, was killed on the night of March 18 after being arrested the same day by the joint forces of Bangladesh Army and its police. But no first information report - has been filed so far,' said Suhas Chakma, director of the Asian Centre for Human Rights.
'Ritchil's body was handed over to the family on March 19 with torture marks like eyes plucked, testicles removed, palms smashed and nails of three fingers removed. This is inhuman and South Asian countries' leaders participating in the SAARC summit must intervene,' he urged.
The activist said though the deceased leader's wife has registered a complaint and many NGOs have asked the government to ensure justice, 'authorities are yet to file a FIR. There is a fear of reprisal from the joint forces in the state'.
The rights' body alleged that Ritchil was targeted for opposing the construction of an eco-park over 3,000 acres of land at Modhipur forest, a habitation of Garo tribals.
Nearly 25,000 Garo people had faced eviction because of the park. On Jan 3, 2004, one Garo tribal was killed and 25 others were injured in police firing.
All rights reserved by RxPG Medical Solutions Private Limited ( www.rxpgnews.com )