RMCC seeks judicial probe

RANGPUR, Aug 29: Rangpur Metropolitan Citizens’ Committee (RMCC) has called for a judicial inquiry into the killing of retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and three members of his family, citing doubts over the police investigation and initial statements. 

Also, Rangpur Bar Association has announced that its members would not defend the accused in the case.

Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, RMCC Member Secretary Advocate Palash Kanti Nag said there are several inconsistencies among the police account, statements by the victims’ relatives, the circumstances at the crime scene and forensic findings.

He said these discrepancies should be investigated independently to establish the actual motive and uncover all aspects of the killings.

Nag questioned why neighbours did not notice anything even though the four bodies had reportedly remained inside the house long enough to decompose and cause a foul smell. He also called for an investigation into when the house’s electricity was disconnected and why deceased Agni Chakraborty had asked a friend via Facebook chat at 5:50am whether there was electricity.

He further questioned why police publicly disclosed details of the accused persons’ statements recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Rangpur Bar Association General Secretary Advocate Aftab Uddin said at a separate press conference that the association had decided, after discussions with its members, not to represent the accused in the case.

However, he said the association would provide all necessary legal assistance to the bereaved family.
He said police had arrested two suspects and recovered looted jewellery based on information provided by them. The accused had also given statements before a court under Section 164, he said, adding that the association believed the investigation was proceeding in the right direction so far.

On August 22, police recovered the bodies of Ganapati Chakraborty, his wife, daughter and son from a locked house in Machuapara (Daspara) area at night. Later, Mugdha Das and Siddhartha Das were arrested.