Police custody death raises queries in Chakaria, leaving community puzzled

Durjoy Chowdhury, a 38-year-old office assistant at Chokoria Government High School, was found dead in police custody in Cox's Bazar on August 22. The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked controversy and raised questions.

According to reports, Durjoy was detained in custody based on a complaint filed by the Acting Headmistress Rabeya Khanam, accusing him of check fraud and embezzling Tk 283,000. His body was taken to Cox's Bazar Hospital for autopsy and was later handed over to his family.

However, Durjoy's father, Komol Chowdhury, has expressed doubts about the official account of his son's death. He stated that he would repay any embezzled funds if Durjoy had taken any. Komol also questioned the official account, citing the two-inch gaps in the iron grilles where Durjoy was allegedly hanged.

The absence of both Durjoy's laptop and personal bag further fuels doubts among the relatives and locals about the official account of suicide. CCTV footage after 1:22 am, when Durjoy was last seen alive, is also missing.

Human rights activists, including Uday Shankar Palmitu, have called for the immediate arrest of the school head to uncover the truth. They believe that Durjoy's laptop contained evidence of corruption within the school against former and current headteachers.

In response to the incident, the Cox's Bazar Superintendent of Police, Mohammad Shafiqul Islam, was transferred. Touhidul Anwar was appointed as the new Officer-in-charge. A three-member police investigation committee, headed by Additional SP Jasim Uddin Chowdhury, has begun work, with a report expected shortly.

The search results do not provide information about the name of the teacher accused of covering up corruption cases based on the computer notes of Durjoy Chowdhury. Durjoy was recognized as the top computer operator in the upazila.

Durjoy's funeral was held at Chokoria social crematorium. One assistant sub-inspector and two constables were withdrawn to the district police line. Komol Chowdhury, Durjoy's father, has vowed to fight for justice for his son. The investigation is ongoing.