Mohona TV Journalist Sent to Jail in Assault Case.

Special Correspondent,Chattogram. A court has sent Kamrul Islam, who identifies himself as a journalist of Mohona TV, to jail in connection with an assault case stemming from a dispute over sand trading in Mirsharai, Chattogram. However, locally he faces allegations of controlling illegal sand extraction, hill cutting and other activities, and extortion under the guise of journalism. According to the case and related sources, on September 2, a man named Abbas Uddin (32) was beaten over a conflict related to sand trading in Korherhat area of Mirsharai Upazila. He was seriously injured. He was first treated at the Upazila Health Complex. As his condition deteriorated, he was sent to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Family members, quoting doctors, said his nasal bone was broken in the attack. On September 4, the injured Abbas Uddin’s wife, Sajeda Akter Sharmin (25), filed a case with Jorarganj Police Station as the plaintiff. Kamrul Islam was named as the prime accused in the case. Case No. 5(9)26. On Tuesday (September 8), Kamrul Islam surrendered to the court and applied for bail. After a hearing in the court of Senior Judicial Magistrate Court-1, Magistrate Sayma Sultana Himu, his bail application was rejected. Later, as per the court’s order, he was sent to jail. Abbas Uddin, who is currently undergoing treatment, alleged that Kamrul Islam, who poses as a Mohona TV journalist, has formed a criminal ring under the cover of journalism. He alleged that Kamrul Islam and his associates are involved in illegal sand extraction in various areas including Laxmichhara in Korherhat Union. Abbas Uddin further alleged that the said journalist collects money from those involved in hill cutting at various places in the union and collects extortion from different sand quarries. According to the allegation, up to 500 Taka was taken from large sand-carrying trucks and up to 300 Taka from small trucks. He also alleged that huge amounts of money were collected through “tokens” for illegal hill cutting. However, no statement from Kamrul Islam regarding the allegations of illegal sand extraction, hill cutting and extortion was available. No immediate comment was also available from the relevant administration regarding the veracity of the allegations. Locals claim that several syndicates have long been active in different areas of Mirsharai centering on illegal sand extraction and hill cutting. They demanded a neutral investigation against those involved in these activities and necessary legal action.