New Delhi: Assam Police have claimed that the prime accused in inciting mob violence, leading to the torching of a police station in Assam’s Nagaon district, died “in an accident” while allegedly trying to escape from police custody on Monday morning.Ashikul Islam was hit by the escort vehicle of a police team he was accompanying, as the accused made an attempt to flee, the officials told PTI.According to Nagaon superintendent of police, Leena Doley, Islam was rushed to the Nagaon Civil Hospital where doctors declared him dead. Five police personnel, including a sub-inspector, suffered minor injuries, she said.Islam was arrested on Sunday, May 29 and based on his interrogation, a team of police personnel took him to his house in Juria to recover arms and ammunition.Police seized two pistols with seven rounds of live ammunition from his house, along with a red t-shirt he was seen wearing in a video while allegedly inciting the mob on May 21, leading to the torching of the Batadrava police station, Doley said.As on May 23, the Assam Police said they had booked five people – including the wife of Safikul Islam, a fish seller, who allegedly died in police custody – under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The five were part of six people already charged with setting the Batadrava police station in Nagaon on fire while protesting against the alleged custodial death.Also read: ‘How Will I Study’: Victim’s Family Bears the Brunt of Contradictory Claims in Nagaon ViolencePolice claimed that the fish seller, Safikul Islam, had died as he was unwell, but his family members alleged that police demanded Rs 10,000 and a duck to release him, The Wire reported. The family also claimed that it was the alleged police violence that led to his death.On Monday, May 30, Doley said that eleven people have so far been arrested, including Ashikul Islam, in connection with the incident.After the police station was set on fire, the authorities demolished the houses of those allegedly involved in the incident, including that of Safikul Islam, on May 22, saying that they were encroachers who had settled on government land.A special investigation team (SIT) led by Nagaon assistant superintendent of police has been set up to monitor the investigation into the entire incident. An inquiry into the death of Islam will also be conducted by Karbi Anglong District’s assistant superintendent of police.At least 48 people have been killed and 116 injured in police action while allegedly trying to flee custody or attacking law enforcers since the Himanta Biswa Sarma government came to power in May last year.(With PTI inputs)
