Autorickshaw driver Ataur Rahman Ata (55) was murdered in Kapasia, Gazipur after being lured out by phone, struck with a hammer and strangled with a rope. His autorickshaw was then stolen. His body was found on the roadside on the night of August 20 and his elderly mother, Zahura Khatun (75), died shortly after hearing the news of his death.
The Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) arrested two killers and the auto-rickshaw buyer within 24 hours using digital forensics and secret information. Those arrested are Rajib Khan (29) and Naqibul Hasan alias Rakib (24), both from Kapasia and Md. Kibria (42) owner of Al-Madina Enterprises in Narsingdi's Monohardi upazila who purchased the stolen vehicle.
PBI Superintendent Md. Rakibul Akhter announced the arrests at a press briefing Saturday. He said Ataur left home around 4 pm on August 20 to work with his autorickshaw worth roughly Tk.140,000. Around 8 pm, the accused called him to a secluded spot near Mirzanagar Girls High School, killed him, and fled with the vehicle and his phone.
Police recovered the stolen autorickshaw from Kibria's shop alongwith Tk 22,000 in cash from its sale and the hammer, rod and rope used in the murder. Investigators said the accused, facing debt, targeted Ataur through a distant family connection and sold the vehicle for Tk 42,000.
Both key suspects confessed in court under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Akhter called the double tragedy "heartbreaking" adding that PBI is investigating further involvement and will submit a charge sheet soon to ensure exemplary punishment.
