A local journalist on Sunday, come under attack while gathering information regarding extortion by setting up illegal shops encroaching roadside land next to Dhaka-Aricha highway at Savar bus stand area in Savar, on the outskirts of the capital.
The victim journalist named Motiur Rahman works for the Bengali daily Jugantor, as staff reporter. Police, however, detained one soon after the attack happened, and a case has been filed against four named, confirmed M Imran Hossain, SI of Savar model police station.
The detainee was identified as Abdul Khaleque, 45, he is a security guard for Savar New Market, a shopping mall.
The victim journo alleged, some men including President, Secretary of Savar New Market Traders Samity, allegedly extorting money by setting up hundred of illegal shops encroaching Highway's land before the mall for long.
"On Sunday, following such information, I went to the spot to collect photos and related information over the matter. Soon after reaching the spot, a group of security guard, attacked on me, following direction of president, secretary of that mall traders samity", Motiur Said. Adding that, the accused were tried to take him to the market underground, and attempted to vandalise his motorcycle, though they could not as locals come forward hearing the scenario.
On information, local journalists later rushed to the spot, and taken him to Savar Upazila Govt. Health Complex, he said, adding thay his leftside ear was injured critically following the attack.
Kazi Mainul Islam, OC, Savar model police station said, a case was filed over the matter, and they looking into the issue. However, when contacted, refusing the allegation, Elias Hossain, President of Savar New Market Traders Samity claimed, the actual incident totally different as it claimed into the case statement.
Basically an altercation took place between the journalist and security guard over parking a motorcycle before the market. At a stage, one security guard slapped the journo following the altercation and Police later picked the guard. "The allegation of extortion is totally false, as all are know well who are control the hawkers beside the highway, rather we asked police to remove hawkers before our mall for multiple times earlier.