A student with disabilities at Dhaka University has filed a complaint against three Chhatra Dal leaders, alleging that they physically assaulted and threatened him for placing his feet up while sitting at a tea shop near Jagannath Hall.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Moneshree Halder’s tea shop under Rabindra Bhaban, according to the complaint filed with the Hall Provost.
In response to the complaint, the Dhaka University branch of Chhatra Dal issued a press release on Monday stating that the three accused leaders have been removed from their organisational positions.
The accused are Chhatra Dal’s Jagannath Hall branch joint conveners Chandon Das, Jhalak Das, and Ripon Chandra Sharker.
The victim wrote on his personal Facebook profile that even though he stays in a room designated for students with special needs, beating him in this manner is not only inhumane but also highly shameful for the hall’s environment. He demanded justice for the perpetrators.
In his written complaint to the provost, the student stated that due to his physical condition, he had placed his feet up while sitting at the tea shop. Jagannath Hall Chhatra Dal joint convener Chandon Das objected to this.
He further alleged that after he returned to his room, four individuals, including the three Chhatra Dal leaders, entered and physically assaulted him. He also claimed they threatened him not to go to the tea shop again.
When contacted, accused leader Jhalak Das denied the claims. “These are false allegations. He is doing this under the umbrella of Chhatra League,” he said.
Asked why they went to the victim’s room, Jhalak said, “We went to talk to him. We spoke from outside the room and left.”
Pallab Bormon, Vice President of the Jagannath Hall Parliament elected from the Chhatra Dal-backed panel, told TIMES that the victim later informed him about the incident.
Pallab said he reviewed the hall’s CCTV footage and saw the accused entering the victim’s room. He said the complaint has been sent to the provost through the hall parliament for necessary action.
Jagannath Hall Provost Debashish Pal said, “I was informed about the incident at night. I have formed an investigation committee with Professor Dr Shimul Halder of the Pharmacy Department as convener.”
Since the university is closed, the committee has been formed with those present on campus, he said. Instructions have been given to complete the investigation and submit a report within the next 2-3 days.
