BRAHMANBARIA: Yet another death in police custody was reported in the district Sunday, after last week’s High Court order for the government to punish such excesses following a number of custodial deaths in the capital.

This time the deceased is a poor rickshaw-puller, Nurul Haque, 45.

Family members alleged the victim died in police custody. Police denied the claim.

Police sources said a police team of Shibpur outpost in Nabinagar upazila in a drive held Nurul Haque early Sunday and got him admitted into the Upazila Health Complex at around 4 am as he fell sick.

He was shifted to Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital, following deterioration of his condition, where the doctors declared him dead, the sources said.

“Nurul, hailed from Bidyakut village in Nabinagar upazila, was wanted in two cases filed with Nabinagar thana. He became sick due to respiratory problem. He was admitted to the Upazila Health Complex as his condition became critical,” Nabinagar thana OC Rupok Saha said.

But, victim’s cousin Md Faruq alleged: “Nurul died from police repression.”

Meanwhile, police super Mokhlesur Rahman said, a three-member probe body headed by Additional Police Super Osman Gani was formed to investigate the incident,

“The committee has been asked to submit its report within three days,” he added.

Recently, three people were killed allegedly in police custody in the capital. On March 9, one Jakir Hossain, held in a carjacking case, died in Ramna police custody.

Following the deaths, the High Court on July 5 ordered the government to constitute a probe committee to investigate custodial deaths and punish those who are responsible. The court rulings came upon two writ petitions filed in public interest.

BDST: 1745 HRS, 11 JULY 2010