Hill Voice, 6 October 2021, Rangamati: An innocent Jumma of Gaindya Union of Rajasthali Upazila under Rangamati Hill District has been arrested and tortured by the Bangladesh army.

The victim was identified as Mithowai Marma (38), son of late Mongshe Aung Marma of Longadu Para of Ward No. 8 of Gaindya Union in Rajasthali Upazila. He is a local groceryshopkeeper by profession.

According to local sources, at around 7:00 pm on 5 October 2021,a group of army comprising 27 personnel led by Major Md. Hasan Chowdhury, commander of Rajasthali sub-zone and Subedar Md. Saiful Islam of Rajasthali sub-zone conducted patrol operation in Longadu Para of Gaindya union with three vehicles.

During the operation, the army intimidated the villagers by asking them various questions like whether the armed terrorists came to the village, where they went, whether they had to pay contribution, etc.

At one point, army arrested Mithowai Marma from his shop and took him to a Rajasthali army camp. It is learnt that Mithowai Marma was physically and mentally tortured by the army after taking him to the camp.

Mithowai Marma’s family and villagers said they did not know what the crime of innocent Mithowai Marma was and why the army had taken him away, tortured and detained him.

As of this writing, there is no news of the release of the detainee.