A Gaibandha police officer has been closed and attached to police lines following death of a college student.

The deceased Siju Mia, 21, was a student at Kanchipara Degree College and served as the president of the local unit of Islami Chhatra Shibir. He was the son of Dulal Mia, a day labourer from Baguria village in Gaibandha Sadar.

The officer identified as Sub-Inspector (SI) Rakibul Islam of Gaibandha’s Saghata Police Station.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md Shariful Alam confirmed the matter on Friday (August 1).

According to police, Siju entered the station around 9:56pm on Thursday (July 31) to file a general diary regarding a lost mobile phone. Officers claimed he became aggressive, attempted to snatch a rifle and stab a policeman, and fled the station, jumping into a nearby pond. His body was recovered the following morning by Fire Service personnel.

Siju’s family has rejected the claim made by the police, alleging he was killed in a premeditated manner over a dispute involving the buying and selling of a used mobile phone. They said the arms-snatching claim is fabricated and demanded a neutral investigation.

However, CCTV footage from the station shows that locals beating the pond water with sticks, intensifying public suspicion and demands for justice. 

Since the incident’s video went viral, demonstrations, road blockades, and human chains have continued in the area.

In response, two separate inquiry committees have been formed—one by the Police Headquarters and another by the Rangpur Range Police. 

MSK/