A Dhaka court has ordered two individuals to be sent to jail in connection with a sudden fire incident that broke out while repairing a long-unused car belonging to the late popular film actor Manna. The incident occurred in the capital's Bashundhara residential area, drawing significant public and media attention. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Aminul Islam Junaid issued the order on Tuesday following a formal petition filed by the investigating police officers.
The two accused individuals sent to judicial custody are Md. Mamun Mondal, a manager for the late actor's family, and Md. Sohel Patwary, a technician. According to court records, the investigating officer and Bhatara Police Station Sub-Inspector Md. Yaur Rahman presented the accused before the magistrate, praying for their detention until the completion of the ongoing investigation. The police noted that initial findings indicated elements of negligence, requiring further custodial interrogation and probe to ascertain the exact sequence of events.
Defense counsel Khademul Islam defended the accused, stating that the vehicle had remained unused and abandoned for years following the untimely demise of actor Manna back in 2008. He argued that the fire broke out due to unexpected mechanical faults and fuel leakage when efforts were finally made to restore the vintage vehicle. The defense lawyer firmly maintained that the accused had no malicious intent or deliberate plan to cause damage, adding that a formal bail hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday.
According to the case statement, the vehicle was parked on the ground floor garage of a residential building in Bashundhara, where the late actor's wife resides in an apartment. Recently, building authorities raised concerns after noticing fuel leakage from the car and requested its immediate removal. Consequently, the family manager was instructed to transfer the car to an outside workshop for professional servicing. However, instead of following the directive, the manager brought in the technician to carry out repair works directly inside the basement garage.
On Monday evening, around 6:00 PM, while repairs were underway, sparks triggered a sudden blaze that engulfed parts of the vehicle, causing widespread panic in the residential complex. Law enforcement authorities arrived at the scene, leading to the subsequent filing of a case and the arrest of the two workers. Legal experts and investigators are currently examining whether severe negligence or safety violations contributed to the hazard. As the investigation progresses, fans and well-wishers of the late cinematic icon have expressed sorrow over the unfortunate damage to his personal memorabilia.
