Man dies in police custody

A man died in police custody in Chapainawabganj yesterday after he was arrested in a narcotics case on Thursday night.

His brother alleged that the victim was tortured by police, but police denied the allegation.

The victim was identified as Sanaul Haque Biswas, 44, of Chanshikari village of Bholahat upazila of the district.

His younger brother Masud Rana Biswas told this correspondent that police arrested Sanaul from in front of Sadar hospital on Thursday night when he went out to buy eggs.

Masud said his brother was tortured by police and died because of the torture.

His brother left behind his wife and four daughters, he said.

Masud added that his brother was a drug addict, but was not involved in any drug trading.

AHM Abdur Rakib, superintendent of police of the district, said Sanaul was wanted in a narcotics case.

The SP denied allegations of torture and said they primarily suspect Sanaul died of a heart attack. 

Police recovered 160 bottles of Phensedyl from his house on April 14 and filed a narcotics case against him that very day.

After the case, he fled the area. Later, on information, a team of Detective Branch (DB) of police conducted a drive in Chanshikari village on Thursday night, the SP said.

Sensing the presence of DB officials, Sanaul tried to run away but police managed to arrest him, the police officer added.

After the arrest, the accused complained of chest pain. Police then took him to Bholahat Upazila Health Complex, the SP added.

The doctors of the hospital referred Sanaul to Sadar hospital after providing him primary treatment. He was admitted to the hospital, where he died, the SP added.

After completion of autopsy, police handed his body to his brother around 3:45pm, he said.

Jahangir Alam, resident medical office of Sadar hospital, said they primarily suspect that Sanaul died of a cardiac arrest.