One and a half months after a violent attack on forest official Mushfiqur Rahman Manik, the primary suspect and most of the accused remain at large. Despite a formal case being filed with the Bhaluka Model Police Station, local authorities have yet to apprehend the majority of the perpetrators.
The incident occurred when Mushfiqur Rahman Manik, the In-charge of the Meherabari Forest Camp under the Bhaluka Range, visited the Hajir Bazar area following reports of illegal forest land encroachment. Upon arrival, a group of land grabbers launched a brutal assault on Manik and another official. The attackers reportedly beat Manik severely with iron rods, breaking his limbs and causing critical injuries. Locals rescued him and took him to the Bhaluka Government Hospital, but he was later transferred to a facility in Dhaka for advanced treatment due to his deteriorating condition.
In connection with the assault, Manik filed a case (No. 12, Dated: 16-02-26) naming 19 individuals, including Shakil Dhali-son of Morshed Dhali from Bashill village-as the principal accused, along with 28 to 34 unidentified suspects. The lack of progress in the investigation has sparked outrage and frustration among Forest Department staff and the local community. Many allege that the suspects are evading arrest because they are being protected by influential local figures, further entrenching a culture of impunity.
The victim, Mushfiqur Rahman Manik, stated that he was attacked while performing his professional duties. He expressed distress over the lack of arrests and claimed that the accused are organizing public demonstrations against him to mask their crimes and influence the court to secure bail.
Investigating officer Sub-Inspector (SI) Harun Or Rashid of the Bhaluka Model Police Station confirmed that two suspects have been arrested and sent to court. He added that police operations are ongoing to capture the remaining individuals involved in the attack.