An assistant sub-inspector (ASI) has died during a raid to arrest a Jubo League activist in Chakaria upazila of Cox’s Bazar.
The deceased was identified as ASI Rupan Kanti Dey, 42, of Harbang Police Outpost. The incident occurred in Harbang area around 5:45pm on Monday.
Another officer, Sub-inspector Mofazzal Hossain, was admitted to local upazila health complex after suffering what colleagues described as “mental trauma.” He is also posted at Harbang outpost under Chakaria Police Station.
Witnesses said police went to arrest Junaid, a local Jubo League activist facing several warrants. SI Mofazzal detained the suspect while ASI Rupan held onto his belt. When Mofazzal started beating Junaid, Rupan suddenly collapsed to the ground. As officers rushed to assist him, the suspect managed to escape, they alleged.
Rupan was first taken to Boraitali Mother and Child Hospital and later to Chakaria Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead. Emergency physician Tania confirmed there were no external injury marks on Rupan’s body.
The exact cause of death would be determined through autopsy, she added.
Chakaria Police Station’s Officer-in-charge (OC) Monir Hossain claimed Rupan had a history of heart disease and had previously suffered two strokes.
Family members also confirmed his long-standing heart condition.
Jhulon Dutta, general secretary of Kaptai Press Club and a relative, said Rupan was his maternal uncle. Rupan had been a heart patient from a young age and had suffered two strokes earlier. On Monday, he is believed to have suffered a stroke, which led to his death, he added.
