My Son Knew How to Swim and Had a Certificate; Attempts Are Being Made to Conceal the Facts

Former Flight Lieutenant K.M. Tahsif Souri knew how to swim. He had also completed a specialised swimming course and received a certificate as part of his pilot training. For this reason, his father, A.K.M. Enayetul Karim, has rejected the claim made by Deep during questioning by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) that Mr. Tahsif jumped into the river while being chased. He believes there is an attempt to divert attention from the actual incident.

Mr. Tahsif’s father made these remarks to the media on Friday, October 30, when asked about the information Deep provided to the PBI. “No, no, nothing like that could have happened. Why would anyone chase him? These are baseless claims. There is no question of that. My son knew how to swim. He was a pilot. They undergo swimming courses and receive certificates. My son completed an extensive swimming course,” he said.

Asked whether he suspected an attempt to cover up the incident or a conspiracy, he said, “Naturally, that is what comes to mind. Why would people chase him? Why would anyone chase him? There is an attempt to divert attention from the actual incident. I feel that the incident is being presented in a different way.”

Before going missing, Mr. Tahsif had left home after receiving a call from his younger brother, Deep. The PBI’s Dhaka Metro North unit took Deep into custody on Thursday night for questioning. Based on information provided by him, the investigators conducted raids at several locations throughout the night.

A police superintendent, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Deep told investigators, “We were talking there (at the scene). At that time, some people chased us. Mr. Tahsif jumped into the river, and I fled.” Asked about the matter, Additional Inspector General of Police Mostafa Kamal said investigators had obtained several pieces of information after taking Deep into custody. However, he declined to disclose them at this stage in the interest of the investigation.

Meanwhile, a motorcycle without a number plate was recovered from the Mazar Basti area, about three and a half kilometres from the spot in the Turag River where Mr. Tahsif’s body was found. In a message, PBI Headquarters Superintendent of Police Abu Yusuf said the motorcycle was found in the Mazar Basti area, approximately 50 yards from the river. Investigators are checking whether it belonged to Mr. Tahsif.

A PBI superintendent said, “The motorcycle without a number plate was recovered based on information provided by Deep. Its ownership is being verified because it has no number plate. CCTV footage also shows that the motorcycle Tahsif took from home was without a number plate.”

Mr. Tahsif’s body was recovered by police on Wednesday afternoon from the Rajabari Ghat area of the Turag River under the jurisdiction of Uttarkhan Police Station. The motorcycle, however, was recovered from an area under Tongi West Police Station. Both locations are connected to the Turag River.

According to Mr. Tahsif’s father, Enayetul Karim, Mr. Tahsif left home on Tuesday evening after receiving a phone call from Deep. At around 1:35am, he sent a message to his mother’s mobile phone saying that he was returning home.

His father said Mr. Tahsif appeared to be in a hurry in that message. He added that no further contact with his son was possible after receiving it. He made the remarks on Thursday afternoon. The father has repeatedly alleged that his son was murdered. He has called on the administration and the government to intervene, uncover the truth and identify those responsible.

PBI Metro North Additional Deputy Inspector General Mohammad Enayet Hossain Mannan said, “We visited the scene with Deep and are verifying the information he provided. We are trying to find answers to several questions: why did they go there? Was he murdered, or was it an accident or suicide? The information obtained so far needs to be verified. We are continuing the investigation. We will inform the public once the mystery is solved.”