Ratan Sen murder case still limps as documents missing

Ratan Sen, who was president of Khulna district unit of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), was stabbed to death on July 31, 1992 in front of Khulna police superintendent's office.

Khulna CPB leader Ashim Ananda Das lodged an FIR with Khulna thana as complainant, without naming any accused. The case was later transferred to CID for investigation.

CID submitted charge sheet accusing 15 persons including Shaharuzzaman Martuza, now president of Khulna Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a prominent member of a faction of Khulna city BNP led by Ali Asgar Lobi MP and the city Mayor.

All the chargesheeted accused were earlier acquitted by court due to lack of evidence and weak charge sheet.

In 2000, the home ministry issued an order for reinvestigation of the case following a petition submitted on behalf of Khulna CPB.

The Khulna thana Officer-in-Charge Abdul Hamid told this correspondent that he is not aware of the officer who investigated the case as the case docket is missing.

August 14 is the date for hearing on progress of reinvestigation in the case in the court of Chief Metropolitan Magistrate.

Meanwhile, Khulna CPB observed the 14th death anniversary of Ratan Sen yesterday through holding a rally in the morning and a public meeting at Shahid Maharaj square in the afternoon.

Khulna CPB leaders yesterday today submitted a memorandum to the state minister for home through the deputy commissioner demanding re-arrest of the chargesheeted accused.