ICT sets Jul 2 for indictment hearing in case over burning of bodies in Ashulia

The investigation found the involvement of 16 individuals, seven of whom have already been arrested, a lawyer says

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) has scheduled Jul 2 for the formal submission of charges in the case over the killing and burning of six individuals during last year’s July-August protests in Ashulia.

A three-member bench led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Md Golam Mortuza Mozumder issued the order on Tuesday. The other two members are Justice Md Shofiul Alam Mahmood and Justice Mohitul Haque Enam Chowdhury.

The prosecution was represented by Saimum Reza Talukder, accompanied by state counsel Mizanul Islam.

Speaking to journalists afterwards, Mizanul said: “The investigation agency submitted its report on Jun 19 regarding the case involving the burning of six bodies in Ashulia. We have sought one week to submit the formal charges. The chargesheet will be submitted to the tribunal on Jul 2.”

He further stated that the investigation found the involvement of 16 individuals, seven of whom have already been arrested.

Earlier, police had produced seven suspects before the tribunal in the case.

They are former additional superintendent of police (crimes and ops) Md Abdullahil Kafi, former additional superintendent of police (Savar circle) Md Shahidul Islam, former Detective Branch (DB) inspector Md Arafat Hossain, then Ashulia police chief AFM Sayed, SI Malek and constable Mukul.

On Aug 5 last year, six young men were shot dead by police in Ashulia. Their bodies were then placed in a police van and set ablaze. One of them was alive. He was later burnt after being doused in petrol.

Following this, on Sept 11, a case was filed with the ICT accusing the perpetrators of crimes against humanity.