A handcuffed accused escaped police custody in Sunamganj's Shantiganj Upazila on Wednesday night, raising serious questions about police security lapses only his handcuffs were later recovered.
Police identified the escapee as Asir Mia 35, a resident of Damodhardapi village facing charges in an ongoing case. A team led by Sub-Inspector Nur Uddin arrested him around 8:30 pm at Damodhardapi Point and handcuffed him. However, he fled before being taken into formal custody.
Local resident Azir Uddin said there was a commotion at the arrest scene, during which Asir Mia escaped while still wearing the handcuffs. Police later recovered the handcuffs through contact and negotiation with the fugitive though details of how and by whom remain undisclosed.
Shantiganj Police Station OC Md. Aliullah confirmed the escape and handcuff recovery, saying an investigation into the incident is underway. Sunamganj Additional Superintendent of Police Rakibul Hasan Russell said authorities are working to trace and re-arrest the accused.
Mia's current whereabouts remain unknown. Key questions remain unanswered: how many officers were present during the arrest, how the accused managed to flee despite being handcuffed and whether any negligence occurred on the part of on-duty officers.
The incident has fueled public concern over accountability in police custody procedures with residents saying a full explanation depends on the outcome of the investigation and the accused's eventual capture.
