International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Chief Prosecutor Md Aminul Islam today claimed that investigators have so far identified 58 deaths linked to the Shapla Chattar crackdown of May 5, 2013, across four districts.

He said the figure was confirmed based on post-mortem reports of some victims, identification of burial sites, and interviews with their family members.

According to the findings, 32 of the victims were in Dhaka, 20 in Narayanganj, five in Chattogram, and one in Cumilla.

Responding to queries, the chief prosecutor said the number of accused in the case, including former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and top officials of law enforcement agencies, would not be less than 30, but their identities could not be disclosed at this stage.

He added that the investigation, being conducted as a crimes against humanity case, is now at its final stage.

He also said earlier indications suggested that former IGP Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun might be made an accused in the case.

“However, we have received information that he was abroad at the time. That is being verified,” he said, adding that issues such as command responsibility would be considered in determining liability.

On March 12, the ICT issued arrest warrants for deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina, former home minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir, former IGP Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, former DMP commissioner Benazir Ahmed, and Gonojagoron Mancha spokesperson Imran H Sarker over the killings during the protest.