Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) investigators suspect that former flight lieutenant of Air Force Tahsif Sauri jumped into the Turag River in Tongi’s Mazar Basti area after being chased by a police team, though his family has strongly rejected the claim.
The victim’s father, AKM Enayetul Karim, maintained that his son was a trained pilot who possessed a certified swimming qualification, alleging that attempts were being made to divert the investigation into his death.
Conflicting claims over river jump
On Friday afternoon, PBI officials visited the spot in Tongi alongside Ahmed Shahriar Reza Dwip, a younger friend of Tahsif who was taken into custody on Thursday night for questioning.
Dwip, who had called Tahsif out of his residence prior to his disappearance, initially told interrogators during overnight raids that some people chased them, prompting Tahsif to jump into the river while he fled.
However, his account shifted slightly when taken to the location on Friday.
According to a police superintendent at PBI, a police team chased the duo while they were at the Mazar Basti area, known as a drug spot. Dwip hid behind BIWTA boundary pillar number 29 on the riverbank while Tahsif jumped into the Turag River.
Dwip later escaped when the opportunity arose and returned home around 2:30am. When asked why the two were present there late at night, the official explained that the matter was sensitive and required further cross-checking.
Similarly, Md Mostafizur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Tongi West Police Station, said they also heard that flight lieutenant Tahsif jumped into the water following a police chase, adding that authorities are examining which police team conducted the chase and why.
Motorcycle recovery and CCTV probe
During morning operations, PBI recovered an unnumbered motorcycle from the Mazar Bosti area, situated approximately 50 yards from the Turag River near the location where Tahsif’s body was later retrieved. Abu Yousuf, superintendent of police at PBI headquarters, said in a message that verification is ongoing to confirm whether the vehicle belonged to Tahsif.
Providing further details, Md Enayet Hossain Mannan, additional deputy inspector general of PBI Dhaka Metro (North), said all information provided by Dwip is being thoroughly cross-checked.
He noted that Dwip claimed individuals in police uniforms chased them, which investigators are now verifying. He added that the two had arrived on two motorcycles, with Dwip departing on one, and that several CCTV footages have been retrieved for analysis.
Whether they were under the influence of drugs will be confirmed following an autopsy report.
Father alleges cover-up
Speaking to the media on Friday, Tahsif’s father, AKM Enayetul Karim, rejected the version provided by Dwip and PBI. He questioned why anyone or police would chase his son, calling the claims baseless.
He explained that his son was a pilot who had completed an extensive swimming course as part of his aviation training and held a formal certificate for it.
He expressed suspicion that the incident was being presented differently to cover up a potential conspiracy or hide the truth behind his son’s death.
PBI officials maintained that all claims and statements remain under active verification as the investigation progresses.
