Abductions for ransom up in Nilphamari

The phenomenon indicates political harmony in this horizon.

During monga period (mid Aug-mid Nov) this year no armed robbery was committed. Incidents of burglary were also negligible.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

A responsible police source claimed that because of nabbing of notorious bandits like Mohammad Ali, Dulal and others crimes reduced to a great extent.

Incidents of cow lifting also decreased. Thirty six cow lifting cases were recorded both the previous years. Police sources claimed it to be a success as they prevented its growth even during bad days of monga this year. But it is also true that most of the cow lifting incidents were not recorded in thanas by the cow owners in apprehension of further harassment by cow lifters. In fact the actual number of cow lifting may be much higher than the record.

However, the trend of crime has changed in the district. Incidents of kidnap, blackmailing, mugging and piracy are on rise instead of traditional robbery and theft. Women and children repression also marked a sharp rise.

In a statistics of cases filed in different thanas of the district it was found that 1,419 cases were filed last year while 1,414 cases were filed in 2002. Out of which rape cases were 122 and 106 last year and in 2002. Incidents of child repression cases were 15 last year which included rape of a three-year old baby. But such cases were four only in 2002.

Incidents of murder decreased significantly last year. It was 26 in comparison with 40 in 2002. Observers believe that capital punishment given by the Rapid Trial Tribunal in the recent days in different districts resulted in its reduction.

Incidents of kidnapping increased alarmingly in the district. Kidnapping for ransom has added anew dimension in the field of crime. The number of kidnap cases were 10 last year while it was one in 2002.

Incidents of robbery decreased notably last year. It was four last year, but 11 in 2002.

Though robbery has decreased but piracy increased. Incidents of attack on people on the streets and mugging raised a great concern. The number of piracy case was 16 last year while it was nil in 2002.

Despite of 'Jihad' (crackdown) launched against use and sell of all kinds of drugs by the present Superintendent of Police (SP) AbdullahAl-Mamun, use and sell of Phensidyl, hemp and various toxicating injections increased.

However, police checked spread of heroin to some extent. Last year 54 drug-related cases were filed while it was 64 in 2002.

Only one illegal arm was recovered last year but seven arms were recovered in 2002.

Police are yet to unearth the mystery of recovery of high power explosive from Sholmari in Jaldhaka on December 24 in 2002. Police failed to find any clue to it throughout the year. Explosive expets of Bangladesh army examined the explosives and commented it to be destructive.

Police also failed to find the mystery of Fazlu's unnatural death in the district jail. Many believes that Fazlu was killed by some quarter inside the jail. A humanitarian organisation of the capital also investigated the matter.

Police authorities told the correspondent that both the incidents were under investigation.

However, Nilpharmari SP claimed the overall law and order situation to be postive.

When asked about the changing trend in crimes, an ex-teacher of Nilphamari Government College Khorshed Alam said that it was the influence of Satellite channels and illegal commercial shows of Blue films.