Babu, Rupa under probe in Shapla Chattar case

The International Crimes Tribunal’s investigation agency has questioned former Managing Director of Ekattor TV Mozammel Babu and former Chief Reporter Farzana Rupa in connection with a case of crimes against humanity linked to the alleged massacre surrounding the Hefazat-e-Islam rally at Shapla Chattar in Motijheel.

According to the investigation agency, both accused denied responsibility during questioning and claimed that events were carried out under instructions from higher authorities.

The information was disclosed on Wednesday (June 17) by the tribunal’s investigation agency.
Mozammel Babu was interrogated on Sunday, while Farzana Rupa was questioned on Wednesday by investigating officers.

During the interrogation, when video footage of press conferences held by the former prime minister before August 5 was shown, Mozammel Babu reportedly claimed that the footage was generated using artificial intelligence.

On May 7, the prosecution sought formal arrest of the two accused in the Shapla Chattar massacre case. Acting on the request, the tribunal ordered their arrest and sent them to jail, allowing interrogation in connection with the case.

According to prosecution claims, 58 people were killed in incidents linked to the Hefazat-e-Islam rally on May 5, 2013, across four locations, including Dhaka, Narayanganj, Chattogram and Cumilla.
The investigation agency has identified 32 deaths in Dhaka, 20 in Narayanganj, five in Chattogram and one in Cumilla.

Prosecutors allege that the two journalists were involved in spreading false information that helped cover up the alleged killings surrounding the rally.