A probe team tasked to look into allegations of police negligence in Feni madrasa student Nusrat Jahan Rafi’s murder, has found evidence against the former officer-in-charge of Sonagazi police Moazzem Hossain.

“We have found preliminary evidence against the former officer-in-charge of Sonagazi police and senior police officers. We are taking this very seriously and are looking into it,” said Deputy Inspector General Md Ruhul Amin of Police Headquarters told the reporters on Thursday (Apr 18).

“But, had the local administration and madrasa managing committee taken action when the sexual harassment was first reported, this tragedy could have been avoided,” said DIG Ruhul Amin, who heads the probe committee.

The DIG said the investigation will take several more days to wrap up as investigators are examining various documents.

He said Sirajuddaula, the madrasa principal, had a history of condemnable behaviour that was known to the madrasa governing body. The police officer also notably stressed the involvement of political figures in the murder.

The DIG was with four other police officers who formed the probe committee. They visited the madrasa and Nusrat’s home. They spoke to madrasa staff and students, and Nusrat’s family.

Three days after the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) assumed responsibility of the case, PBI Chief, Banaj Kumar Majumdar, submitted a report to the inspector general of police, noting negligence on the part of police and local administration.

Nusrat was set on fire on Apr 6, refusing to withdraw a case her family filed last month against Sirajuddaula for sexually harassing and assaulting her.

After she was set on fire, her family filed another case against eight people, including Sirajuddaula, on Apr 8.

The 18-year-old girl died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on Apr 10, after five days in treatment.