Eight years in jail in a false case

Helpless Rahela Begum, wife of Manik Sheikh, and their younger son Polash. PHOTO: STAR

Manik's conviction in the false 'Jyotsna murder case' has virtually ruined two families.

This correspondent visited Manik's family Sunday morning (September 11).

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Manik Sheikh, 40, of Chaturia village in Sreepur upazila in Magura district is in jail since 1997 after Jhenidah District and Sessions Judge's court sentenced him to life imprisonment for Jyotsna murder case.

Manik's old father Ator Sheikh said he has already exhausted his moveable and immovable property for his son's release. He has no money and resources to seek legal help for his son's release.

"What more can I do to get back my son?" he asked this correspondent during the visit.

Manik's wife Rahela Begum asked, "Is there any generous person or human rights organisation to extend a helping hand for release of my innocent husband?"

The couple has two sons, Suman 14 and Palash 10. They have stopped going to school as the only bread earner of the family is in jail for long, she lamented.

Manik's elderly mother Tara Bibi said she only wants to see her son's face before her death.

Jyotsna is the daughter of Nayeb Ali of Boyera village in Shailakupa upazila of Jhenidah district. Jhenidah and Magura are neighbouring districts.

She was married to Rashid Ahmed of Tekpara in Cox's Bazaar district. Local people said her father Nayeb Ali had previous enmity with the family of Manik.

Her father lodged a false case (G.R 223/96) on November 1, 1996 that Jyotsna was abducted and murdered by Manik.

Police filed charge sheet on Jan 1, 1997 against Manik, his father Ator Ali, mother Tara Bibi and brother Moktar.

Manik was sentenced to life term while others were acquitted.

Jyotsna came to her father's house in March this year. Tipped-off, Sub-Inspector (SI) Matin of Shailkupa police station arrested her on March 17. She was released on bail after she was produced before court under Section 54 of CrPc (Criminal Procedure). But Manik is languishing in jail for the last eight years.

Talking to this correspondent, villagers said Jyotsna was not at her father's house when the case was filed. They expressed their surprise how Manik and his family were chargesheeted by police without verifying whether Jyotsna was actually abducted and killed. The investigators could find her had they looked for her at her husband's house in Cox's Bazar.