E/CN.4/2001/66 page 36 138. Saiful Islam Solet was reportedly arrested on suspicion of theft and taken into police custody in Tongi Thana, Gazipur district. On 15 June 1999, he allegedly killed himself by ingesting pesticide whilst in police custody. He had allegedly been tortured. 139. Dharma Joyti Chakma, Bplob Chakma, Pravat Kusum Chakma and Jatiu Chakma, all students, were reportedly arrested and severely beaten on 10 March 1998 in Dhinginala in Khagrachari following their participation in a meeting of the Hill Student Council. The police are reported to have attacked the crowd with tear gas and batons. The above-named students were reportedly detained until November 1998. 140. By letter dated 10 October 2000 sent in conjunction with the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, the Special Rapporteur advised the Government that he had received information concerning the alleged increase in the number of women who are subject to the practice of burning with acid following, for example, family disputes, rejections of marriage or sexual advances. It is reported that in a number of cases there has been no investigation nor attempt to bring the perpetrators to justice. The following cases were brought to the attention of the Government. 141. Bhancha Sana was reportedly burned by acid outside her house on 20 July 2000 in the village of Ghughumari, in the district of Satkira. It is alleged that her chest was severely burned in the incident and other parts of her body were also burned. Fatema Begum is reported to have been attacked with acid in her hometown at the Nagua bus stand in the district of Sadar Kisoregonji. Her head, face, hands and throat have been permanently scarred. Shah Alam was allegedly attacked with acid in her village, Birponiu, in the district of Bogra on 22 July 2000. She was seriously and permanently injured on her face, chest and waist. She suffered more minor injuries on her hands and throat. Follow-up to previously transmitted communications 142. By letter dated 15 March 2000, the Government responded to cases transmitted by the Special Rapporteur in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1999. 143. Concerning Prem Kumar Chakma (E/CN.4/1995/34, para. 52), the Government denied the allegations of torture and indicated that he did not lodge any complaint with the local police. He had been interrogated about insurgents’ activities by military persons in 1993. 144. Concerning Gyang Mrash Marma (ibid., para. 53), the Government denied the allegation of rape but indicated that she had been molested by a police constable who had subsequently been punished following an inquiry led by the Superintendent of Police. 145. Concerning allegations of ill-treatment of children by the police (ibid., para. 54), the Government indicated that the 1995 Women and Children Repression (Special Provision) Act severely punishes offences committed against children. It added that convicted children are kept separately from adult prisoners. 146. Concerning Mohammad Shawkat (ibid., para. 55), the Government indicated that the two constables were given forced retirement as they were found guilty of sexual harassment.