OC blames victim’s expensive phone after mugging near police station

NN Online:
Just minutes away from Mohammadpur Police Station, journalist Ahmad Wadud was attacked with a machete and mugged around 11:00 PM on Thursday night. The assailants took his mobile phone and wallet while his wife, who was nearby, remained unharmed.

Seeking immediate help, Wadud went to the police station to report the incident. But instead of receiving support, he faced unexpected remarks from the Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ali Iftekhar Hasan. According to Wadud, the OC showed him his own inexpensive phone and allegedly said, “Even as an OC, I use a cheap phone. If you carry an expensive one, of course you’ll get mugged!”

Wadud later detailed the incident in a Facebook post at 3:24 AM Friday, expressing frustration over the police’s response. He claimed the OC advised him to find Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Anarul and wait at a nearby bus stand.

Following the OC’s instructions, Wadud searched three different spots before locating ASI Anarul and a group of officers. After hearing the account, the police agreed to visit the crime scene. Wadud joined them in a police vehicle and identified the alleged muggers at the location. However, ASI Anarul and his team did not make any arrests.

When contacted, DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) SN Nazrul Islam said, “Strict action will be taken against those who misbehaved with the victim. We are treating this matter seriously.” He confirmed that two personnel from Mohammadpur Police Station have already been withdrawn from duty.