The High Court on Monday ordered the immediate withdrawal of Assistant Police Super (Bauphal circle) of Patuakhali Saiful Islam over the torture of an accused in police custody.

An HC bench comprising Justice Quazi Reza-Ul Hoque and Justice Mohammad Ullah also asked police to provide security to the family of victim Hafizur Rahman Bijoy, son of Shamsul Haque Khan of Kolta village in Bauphal upazila.

It asked the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to investigate the incident and submit a report before it on March 19.

Earlier in the day, the ASP and officer-in-charge of Bauphal Police Station Azam Khan Faruki placed their explanations appearing before the court.

The court also exempted the two police officials from personal appearance.

On February 20, the High Court summoned the ASP and the OC to explain the torture of an accused in police custody.

Hearing a petition filed by victim’s mother Jesna Begum, it had also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain as to why any legal action would not be taken against the alleged police officials and why compensation should not be given to the victim.

The Home secretary, IGP and deputy inspector general of police (DIG) of Barisal zone had been asked to respond to the rule.

On February 14, a report headlined ‘Torture in Bauphal OC’s room’ was published in a newspaper.