Four Bangladeshi suspects ordered to remain in custody as abduction case proceeds

Four expatriates have been remanded in custody pending trial over the kidnapping and assault of a fellow Bangladeshi man inside a construction site in Hulhumale', while one suspect has been given a shorter remand extension.

Police said the incident took place on March 27, when a Bangladeshi man was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted at a construction site in Hulhumale' by his own countrymen. The victim was later found in Vilimale' during a search operation.

Five Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in connection with the case. They are:

MD Sha Alam (39), MD Mehedi Hassan (34), MD Hossain (30), Saafif Hassan (38) and Rasal (20).

They have been accused of unlawful detention, intimidation, kidnapping and assault.

At a remand hearing on April 10, the Investigating Officer told the court that MD Hossain had caused serious physical injury to the victim using a dangerous weapon, and that the act was carried out by a group, with Hossain at the forefront. According to the court order, Hossain initially admitted to the allegations and explained that the fight began after the victim refused to return passports he had been given. He also claimed that no dangerous weapon was used and that the assault was carried out by hand.

However, at his remand hearing on the 10th of this month, Hossain pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Criminal Court extended MD Hossain’s remand by 30 days, while the other four suspects were ordered to remain in custody until the end of the trial.

At last month’s hearing, MD Sha Alam told the court that although he lived at the scene of the fight, he did not participate in it or injure anyone. MD Mehedi Hassan likewise said that while he was present, he did not cause any injuries. Saafif Hassan and Rasal also told the court they did not fight or injure anyone.

Police say the investigation is ongoing.