Rangpur killings: Accused Siddhartha’s father, brother taken to DB custody for questioning
The father and brother of prime accused Siddhartha Das have been picked up for questioning in connection with the killing of retired Rangpur Zilla School teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and three members of his family.
Rangpur Metropolitan DB Deputy Commissioner Sanatan Chakraborty told reporters that a DB team picked up Siddhartha’s father Binoy Chandra Das and brother Partha Das from their home in Masuapara on Saturday evening.
He said Binoy had been asked several times over the past few days to appear at the DB office for questioning but did not do so.
“He was basically brought to the DB office for questioning,” the DB official said.
“He is being questioned. Let’s see what information we can collect from him and how he can cooperate with us. A decision will be taken following the questioning,” he added.
Regarding Siddhartha’s brother, Sanatan said Partha had allegedly harassed a journalist covering the killings.
“The journalist verbally complained to us. If he files a written complaint, we will take action against him,” he said.
The bodies of Ganapati Chakraborty, 65, his wife Pritilata Chakraborty, 50, daughter Parthi Chakraborty Agami, 25, and son Priyam Chakraborty Ayush, 12, were recovered on Saturday night (Aug 22).
A case was filed and the investigation was later transferred from Kotwali Police Station to the Detective Branch of Rangpur Metropolitan Police.
Police said two accused had given confessional statements before a court under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
On Monday, the investigation was formally transferred from Kotwali police to the Detective Branch of Rangpur Metropolitan Police.
Rangpur lawyers refuse to defend four murder accused
The Rangpur Bar Association has decided not to provide legal representation to the accused in the murder of retired teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and three members of his family.
Advocate Aftab Uddin, general secretary of the Bar Association, made the announcement at a press conference at the association building on Saturday.
He described the murder of former Rangpur District School teacher Ganapati Chakraborty and four members of his family as a “heinous incident” and said the Bar Association strongly condemned it.
“We have already visited the scene of the incident along with some government lawyers and the administrator of Rangpur City Corporation. On behalf of the Bar Association, we want to assure the affected family that we are by their side. The Bar Association will provide all kinds of legal assistance to them,” he said.
Aftab Uddin said police had arrested two people after recovering the bodies and had recovered the looted jewellery based on information provided by the suspects.
He said the two suspects had already confessed to the murders before a court under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
“We believe that the police investigation is on the right track so far. The cooperation of journalists has also helped the investigation,” he said.
The Bar Association general secretary said various rumours and unverified stories about the murders were being circulated on social media, with some people trying to turn the incident into a political issue.
“We request everyone not to politicise the murders or spread rumours,” he said.
Aftab Uddin said the decision not to provide legal representation to the accused was taken after discussions among members of the Bar Association.
“However, we are standing by the affected family and will support them in all their legal battles,” he said.
He also urged journalists to present accurate information about the murders.
Rangpur City Corporation Administrator and Rangpur Metropolitan BNP Member Secretary Advocate Mahfuz Un Nabi Don, Rangpur Bar Association lawyer Advocate Shahed Kamal Ibne Khatib, Jamaat lawyer Advocate Kawsar Ali and other leaders were present at the press conference.