Fingers pointed at police as love story ends in tragedy

Rizwan, who married Priyanka Todi, daughter of a city-based businessman Ashok Todi on August 18, was allegedly pressurised for a separation and threatened by the top officers of Kolkata Police in Lalbazar. Rizwan’s body was found on railway tracks in Sealdah section between Bidhannagar station and Dum Dum junction on September 21, after which angry residents of the Park Circus area clashed with police. They also blocked traffic and set fire to a police jeep, alleging that the victim was murdered.

The CID has been asked to probe the role of the police and the circumstances leading to Rizwan’s death. The agency has been asked to submit its findings at the earliest.

“It’s an unfortunate incident. I have asked for an investigation by CID. All aspects of the case, including the role of the police, will be investigated. I have asked them to submit a report as soon as possible,” said Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee at Writers’ Building. Earlier, the Chief Minister summoned Kolkata Police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee to Writer’s Building.

Speaking to The Indian Express, Muhammed Nizamuddin, member of Kolkata district committee of the CPI(M), said: “The guilty police officers should be punished, no matter how senior they are.” According to party sources, the incident and the alleged role of police have led to the discontent among minority leaders of the party.

Meanwhile, Rukbanur Rehman, the victim’s brother, after meeting Biman Bose said: “I asked him for an impartial enquiry. We also told him that Priyanka is our daughter-in-law and we want her back.”

Trinamool Congress activists also staged protests against the incident today.

Land and Land Reforms Minister Abdur Rezzak Mollah visited the family of the victim at their Tiljala residence.

The CID sent a team to the spot where the victim’s body was found, apart from evaluating investigation papers and evidences from Government Railway Police (who were probing the incident). “We have taken over the case, and the details of investigation. However, we are yet to get the post mortem report. We are also looking for Priyanka Todi,” said Neeraj Narayan Pandey, CID DIG (Special).

“Preliminary investigations do not point to homicide. The inquest report stated that the major portion of the face was damaged due to heavy impact. Apart from that there were only minor bruises on the head and body,” said Barun Mullick, SRP, Sealdah.