Victims seek probe into series of 'false cases'

A running judge allegedly using his official position and influence has been accused of being involved in filing a series of criminal cases described by the victims as false in different districts through various individuals against traders and landowners over a property dispute in Gazipur.

The allegation was made at a press conference on Sunday, where the victims called for an independent investigation into the claims and urged the government to take necessary action.

The press conference was held at the Law Reporters Forum office in the Supreme Court Bar Association building. Touhidul Islam Mojibor read out a written statement on behalf of the alleged victims.

Touhidul alleged that Judge Ariful Islam Sohel, who is married to the daughter of his stepbrother, has been attempting to take control of ancestral property in Outpara, under Gazipur City Corporation. He claimed that the judge used his influence to facilitate the filing of false cases against him, his family members and others involved in the property dispute.

Touhidul said he and his five sisters are the legal owners of the disputed land. He said they have been in peaceful possession of the property for years and have built a market and a house on it. He added that all land records, mutation documents and land tax papers are recorded in their names.

He also alleged that the judge's wife asked traders at Haji Hossain Wholesale Market to pay rent to her despite, according to him, having no court order or ownership documents. Touhidul claimed that traders who refused to pay were later accused in criminal cases, including allegations of gang rape and robbery, filed in different districts.