Contradictory statements on Cox’s Bazar rape unfortunate: HC

PBC News:  The High Court (HC) on Tuesday said the contradictory statements of different law enforcement agencies regarding recent alleged gang-rape of a tourist, is unfortunate and unwarranted.

“The victim has given her testimony before a magistrate. But at this stage, such contradictory statements are unfortunate. These statements can create confusion among people,” the court said.

A High Court division bench of Justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman came up with the observations while hearing a writ petition in this regard.

“There is inconsistency in the statements of police and RAB. Those statements came on the media. We are pleading for judicial inquiry over the alleged rape of December 22. The court, during the hearing, said one law enforcing agency can assist another in the probe. But during the investigation stage, it is better to talk less,” writ petitioner Advocate Abdullah Al Harun Bhuiyan told newsmen.

Deputy Attorney General Bipul Baghmar stood for the state at the hearing.

The petition was filed on January 3, also pleaded for issuing a rule in this regard. Officials concerned including Home Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Tourism Secretary and Cox’s Bazar Deputy Commissioner were made respondents in the writ.