Burnt stations hindering probes

Following the filing of a rape case on April 9 last year, Adabor police launched an investigation. Forensic and DNA tests were conducted at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

But the probe suffered a major setback when the test reports, along with 76 case documents, evidence relating to around 100 cases and registration books, were destroyed in a massive fire started amid protests on August 5 during the mass uprising.   

Part 1 - Challenges in Policing: Police stations buckling under budget strain

Part 2 - Challenges in Policing: Living conditions appalling at some police barracks

Part 3 - Challenges in policing: Seized vehicles rotting under police watch

"The destruction of evidence delayed the submission of charge sheet in the case. The delay allowed the accused to secure bail from court, much to the frustration of the victim and the investigators," said Sub-Inspector Rakibul Islam of Adabor Police Station.

"We are trying to gather all related documents, but it's proving to be a difficult task," he added.

Not only Adabor, 12 other stations under Dhaka Metropolitan Police were set alight between August 5 and 6 last year, resulting in the destruction of 1,200 case documents and 1,100 pieces of evidence, including forensic and DNA reports.

These stations are located in Mirpur, Mohammadpur, Badda, Jatrabari, Khilgaon, Paltan, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Shyampur, Tejgaon Industrial Area, Bhatara, Wari, and Khilkhet areas.

Khilgaon Police Station FILE PHOTO

When asked, SN Nazrul Islam, additional commissioner at the DMP headquarters, said, "We have managed to collect copies of almost all case documents lost in the fires. But we are facing problems in retrieving the pieces of evidence."

"If police fail to recover a piece of evidence in a case, the investigation team has to file a general diary and then submit its copy to the court concerned," he added.

The police faced intense public backlash for its role in the violent crackdown including indiscriminate firing and excessive use of force against protesters during the uprising. Many police officers have been accused of suppressing dissent through arbitrary arrests, torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearance during the tenure of the Awami League government.

REELING FROM DAMAGES

Among the affected stations, the worst-hit was Jatrabari, where a devastating fire not only destroyed vehicles, case records, and evidence but also claimed the lives of at least six law enforcers.

The scale of destruction was so severe that the station's operations remained fully suspended for two months.

"Everything was gone -- our vehicles, case files, and computers. We were left with almost nothing," said Inspector Ramzanul Haq of Jatrabari Police Station.

He also underscored the challenges of recovering medical reports and forensic documents that are critical to investigations in sensitive cases.

"Hospitals were hesitant to provide duplicate reports, citing procedural issues. But we had no choice but to push forward."

Mirpur Police Station also lost all its case records and crucial documents. Around 200 motorbikes and 15 vehicles parked inside the station went up in flames.

"…The fire completely gutted case records, vehicles, and furniture. It took eight months to make the station fully functional, starting with just a few tables and chairs." Sajjad Rumon, the OC of the station, told The Daily Star.

"We are still working on retrieving vital documents... The loss of critical evidence such as forensic reports has delayed many investigations, particularly in cases of sexual assault and child abuse."

Some pieces of evidence, such as blood-stained clothes and weapons used in murders, have been lost forever, he noted.

"We have informed courts that evidence in many cases has been destroyed. As an alternative, we are taking statements from the witnesses," added Sajjad.

Contacted, Dhaka Metropolitan Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq Faruqi, said there should not be any problems in proceeding with trials in the cases whose documents are with courts.

For other cases, police will have to come up with explanations, he added.

460 ESTABLISHMENTS DAMAGED

According to PHQ data, 460 police stations, outposts, and other establishments across the country were damaged between August 1 and 6 last year during the mass uprising.

At least 526 police vehicles, including 241 pickups, 217 motorcycles, 13 four-wheel drive vehicles and 55 cars, were also damaged in fires.

Over the last 14 months, 200 pickup trucks, 20 four-wheel drive vehicles, 46 cars, and 152 motorcycles were bought for the force, said the data.

When asked, AHM Sahadat Hossain, assistant inspector general at the PHQ, said, "Various units have already been provided with some new vehicles to strengthen patrol and crime prevention activities. 

 "The police headquarters is working to enhance the operational capabilities of every police station and unit," he added.

MORE SUPPORT NEEDED

Many police officials have expressed frustration over the delay in receiving sufficient support even 14 months after the uprising.

"We are doing everything we can to rebuild the station... We have received some support but that is not enough," said a sub-inspector at Mirpur Police Station on the condition of anonymity.

Giving an example, the officer said there were eight pickups at Mirpur Police Station before the fire, but it has so far received five.

"We need at least 10 patrol vehicles to properly cover the Mirpur area. Now, we are struggling to patrol only the key points under our jurisdiction as we don't have enough vehicles," said Sajjad, the OC of the station.

A sub-inspector at the station said, "We may be able to recover evidence in most cases, but we are yet to regain the confidence to carry out our duties properly. Many of us are still hesitant to deal with any incident involving mobs… The images of charred police stations are still fresh in our minds.

"If any major incident is reported, we still need to send two to three patrol teams at the scene," added the officer.