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Probe-influencing govt high-ups under scanner

3 accused ex-investigators start to reveal story of misdirected probe into Aug 21 grenade attack

Staff Correspondent
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is now focusing on the then government high-ups who influenced three CID investigators accused of misdirecting the investigation of the August 21 grenade attack case.
The CID yesterday appointed an investigation officer for the case filed against the three ex-CID officials in connection with corrupting the probe into the August 21, 2004 grenade attack on an Awami League rally on Bangabandhu Avenue.
Meanwhile, two of the three accused ex-CID officials told The Daily Star that they produced three accused before the magistrates for recording confessional statements following directives of the then high-ups.
The three are accused of forcing people to make confessional statements before a magistrate in the August 21 grenade attack case, destroying evidence and not recording confessional statements of the real culprits.
According to CID sources, the case was filed to identify those who played a role in misdirecting the probe from behind the scene. Requesting anonymity, a senior CID official said, "So far we know that a number of former ministers and some senior officials of a law enforcement agency were behind it."
Accused retired assistant superintendent of police Abdur Rashid, who was one of the investigation officers of the grenade attack case, told The Daily Star Monday over phone, "We produced the three persons before the magistrates following directives from the home ministry cell set up to monitor sensational cases. "
The FBI and other foreign experts had cleared them for recording the confessional statements, Rashid claimed, adding, "I never tortured or forced anybody to confess before the magistrate."
Denying his alleged involvement in destroying evidence, he said, "I have no personal interest in the case...why would I misguide the investigation."
Another accused retired CID official said, "The confession was recorded by the magistrates. We were not in the process."
ASP Fazlul Kabir, who filed the case against the three former CID investigators Sunday night, told Die Daily Star, I just filed the case after primary investigation. Now the authorities concerned appointed an investigation officer who would carry out the probe."
ASP Rownakul Huq Chowdhury, the new investigation officer of the case, told The Daily Star, "I received the responsioility of investigating the case yesterday and I am going through the statements and other documents."
Asked about the arrest of the accused persons, he said. "It would be decided after talking to higher authorities today [Wednesday]."
Tne CID filed a case against former special superintendent (SS) Ruhul Amin and two retired ASPs—Munshi Atiqur Rahman and Abdur Rashid-on charge of misdirecting the grenade attack case and destroying evidence. The three allegedly forced Joj Miah, Abul Hashem and Shafiqul Islam to confess before magistrates with the intention to protect the main culprits.