DHAKA: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will investigate the incident of torture on a preteen boy in police custody in Mymensingh, as the watchdog begins to chase predators.

A team of investigators goes to Mymensingh on September 5. Commission members Fouzia Karim and Aroma Dutt are on the panel along with NHRC deputy director Abu Abdullah.

However, efforts by banglanews24.com.bd revealed contradictory statements made by the police station concerned and the jail authority in Mymensingh.

Commission chief Dr Mizanur Rahman brought the issue to light this week stating that police had arrested a 12-year-old boy, Mijarul Islam, on a charge of hijacking motorbike.

Allegation was raised against police that they tortured him in their custody, with needles pushed into all his fingers, and sent the severely wounded boy to the central jail here.

The commission accused sub-inspector of Kotwali thana Khorshed Alam of meting out the torture to Mijarul, son of Abdul Quiyum, hailed from Doladia village of Sadar thana.   

When contacted, Khorshed told banglanews24.com.bd that Mijarul was arrested on charge of snatching a motorbike. “He was also involved in many other crimes along with his friend Rony,” he said.

The cop denied having conducted any torture.

Asked about the whereabouts of Mijarul, Khorshed said, “He is in Mymensingh jail now.”    

When banglanews24.com.bd contacted jailer Mohammad Javed, he denied having anyone named Mijarul in the jail. “There is no one under 16 years of age,” he said.

During a discussion meeting, NHRC chairman Dr Mizanur Rahman narrated a pathetic tale of the preteen prisoner.   

“A 12-year-old boy has been tortured by police who inserted needle into his fingers on charge of snatching a bike,” said the Dhaka University law professor-turned-rights protector.   

Present at the discussion, Law Minister Barrister Shafiq Ahmed assured him of proper investigation into the matter and exemplary punishment of the accused.

Dr Mizan told banglanews24.com.bd, “Our investigators will look into the whole matter--as to why the boy was tortured and why he was sent to jail instead of juvenile correction centre.”

Everyone involved in it will be identified through the probe and a report will be submitted to the government high-ups for proper action, he said.

BDST 1515 HRS, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010.