‘Liaqat shoots at Sinha, Pradeep puts boot on his throat’

Shahedul Islam Sifat on Tuesday (August 24) testified in sensational Major (Retd) Sinha Md Rashed Khan at a court in Cox’s Bazar.

He narrated the incident happened at that night.

During the submission of deposition at court, Sifat said: “At about 9:30pm on that day (July 31, 2020), Inspector Liaqat Ali of Baharchhara Police Investigation Centre stopped the car of Sinha at Baharchhara checkpost. As Sinha came out of his car from the driving seat, Liaqat fired several shots at him in cold blood. The bullet-ridden army major fell on the road. Though Sinha fell on the ground, he remained alive for a long time. Then accused Teknaf Police Station OC Pradeep Kumar Das appeared at the scene and kicked on the left side of Sinha’s chest to find out whether he was dead. Then he pressed on Sinha’s throat with his boot, and he (Sinha) showed no response.”

Earlier, the defence lawyers cross-examined the plaintiff Sharmin Sharia Ferdous when the court proceedings began at about 10:30am which lasted till 2:00pm.

District and Sessions Judge Mohammad Ismail ordered to stop the court proceedings for an hour. Then the court proceedings resumed. On behalf of Liaqat Ali, his counsel cross-examine the plaintiff. Then the counsels of OC Pradeep and Liton Mia cross-examined the plaintiff till 5:30pm.

Accused Pradeep and Liaqat’s counsels Advocate Rana Dasgupta told reporters on Tuesday afternoon: “There are lots of anomalies between the case statement and depositions of witness. We have informed the court about it.”

He said, “The characters of the accused have been assassinated through media trial following the murder. The accused have been convicted before trial.”

He also requested all to refrain from such activities for the sake of justice.

On behalf of accused Pradeep Kumar Das, Liaqat Ali and Liton Mia, defence counsels Advocate Rana Dasgupta, Advocate Saikat Kanti Dey and Advocate Chandan Das cross-examined the plaintiff till 5:30pm.