Victim kin cite threat, seek protection

Despite police ensuring security and installing CCTV cameras in Bogtui village, very few people returned there till Friday morning

Despite police ensuring security and installing CCTV cameras in Bogtui village, very few people returned there till Friday morning.: File photo

Snehamoy Chakraborty   |   TT  |  Bolpur(Birbhum)   |   26.03.22 : Mafuza Bibi, daughter of Mina Bibi who is one of the victims of the Bogtui carnage, on Friday evening visited Rampurhat police station demanding security for her family as one of the aides of Bhadu Sheikh has allegedly threatened her with dire consequences once those arrested for the massacre get bail.

Mafuza, who is in her early thirties, lives near Bogtui More, which is around a kilometer from her father’s place where the carnage took place.

“We are in panic following a threat by one Kalam of Chandankuntha village. So, we came here seeking police security. He (Kalam) threatened that the rest of us who are alive will be killed,” said Mafuza.

A senior police officer in Rampurhat said after she lodged a complaint, a police picket was deployed near her house to keep close vigil.

“She said that someone called Kalam Khan has threatened her with dire consequences. We have deputed a police picket there. We are searching for Kalam Khan,” said a senior police officer.

Mafuza’s mother Mina Bibi was rescued with burns and grave injuries from her house along with three others. Mafuza’s eight-year-old daughter and her father Fatik claimed they saw the goons hit Mina with a sharp weapon before she was set on fire.

“Now, all the people are helping us. He said not to tell anything more (about the carnage). Bhadu Sheikh’s people killed my mother and are now threatening us. We need security,” she said.

Despite police ensuring security and installing CCTV cameras in Bogtui village, very few people returned there till Friday morning. Officials said it would take some time to bring people back to the village as the incident had played havoc on their mind and heart.

On Friday, a team from the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) visited Bogtui and videographed the location of the burnt houses and collected other evidence for around an hour. They collected the evidence from outside the burnt houses too.

Sources said, a CBI team reached Rampurhat on Friday night and they would start the probe from Saturday.

Hasina Biwi, the elder sister of Sona Sheikh, the owner of the house from where seven charred bodies were recovered on Friday afternoon, visited the house.

“I heard that the CBI will probe the incident. We want to see all those behind the massacre be hanged to death. We are happy that Anarul was arrested as he was the mastermind,” said Hasina.

Mihilal Sheikh, who lost his seven relatives in the carnage including his wife and eight-year-old daughter, said he would help in any type of investigation.

“We want justice and will help in the investigation. However, our chief minister Mamata Banerjee was the first to come to us. We did not have any faith in the police but after Didi assured us justice, we have decided to trust her,” said Mihilal.

Mihilal and at least a dozen members from his family had taken shelter in Gopaljal village of Sainthia. On Friday morning a team of around a dozen police persons and civic volunteers were deputed in and around their residence.

“We are feeling secure now,” said one of the family members.

On the other hand, sources in Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital said, Nazira Biwi who received burnt injuries in the Monday night massacre continues to remain in critical condition.

“She had serious burn injuries and is under utmost care and treatment,” said a doctor.

Mamata on Thursday met Nazira at the hospital and handed over a cheque  of Rs 1 lakh to a family member.