Law enforcement authorities in southern Bangladesh have arrested two key suspects within 24 hours of the discovery of a decapitated body in Nesarabad upazila of Pirojpur district. Members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), acting on intelligence inputs, CCTV footage analysis and a shadow investigation, detained the suspects during separate operations in Barishal city on Saturday.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Samrat (34) and Abedin Majhi (42), who is also known by the alias Raju. According to officials involved in the investigation, both men are believed to have played central roles in the brutal killing of Gopal Chandra Das, whose headless body was recovered on Friday evening.
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CCTV Evidence and Investigation
Investigators said that surveillance footage collected from cameras near the crime scene proved crucial in identifying the suspects. The footage reportedly showed three individuals arriving at a brick kiln on a motorcycle. Some time later, only two men were seen leaving the location on the same motorcycle.
After reviewing the footage and cross-checking local intelligence sources, investigators concluded that the three individuals were the victim, Gopal Chandra Das, and the two suspects, Samrat and Abedin Majhi.
RAB officials then launched a coordinated intelligence operation, utilising digital tracking and field surveillance to determine the suspects’ movements.
Arrest Operations in Barishal
On Saturday afternoon, RAB personnel arrested Samrat from the Ganpara area of Kashipur intersection under the jurisdiction of Barishal Airport Police Station. Later the same evening, another team apprehended Abedin Majhi alias Raju from the Steamer Ghat area of Barishal Kotwali Police Station.
Both suspects were taken into custody for preliminary interrogation.
Motive and Details of the Killing
During initial questioning, investigators learned that the killing was allegedly motivated by a long-standing personal dispute. Authorities believe the suspects lured Gopal Chandra Das to a remote brick kiln on a motorcycle under false pretences.
Once there, they allegedly murdered him before severing his head with a sharp weapon. Investigators say the head was subsequently thrown into a nearby river in an apparent attempt to conceal evidence and hinder identification.
Evidence Recovered
Shortly after the body was discovered, RAB personnel conducted a search operation at the scene and recovered several items believed to be connected to the crime, including a hammer and the motorcycle used during the incident. Officials said these items are likely to play a crucial role in the ongoing investigation.
Discovery of the Body
Local residents first discovered the headless body at approximately 5:30 pm on Friday (13 March) near the bank of the Sandhya River. The body was found south of a brick kiln owned by Mamun Molla in the East Sarengakathi area of Somudoykathi Union in Nesarabad upazila.
Upon receiving the report, police arrived at the scene and recovered the body before sending it for autopsy.
Key Facts of the Case
| Subject | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Gopal Chandra Das |
| Arrested Suspects | Samrat (34), Abedin Majhi alias Raju (42) |
| Arrest Locations | Kashipur intersection and Steamer Ghat, Barishal |
| Body Recovery Site | East Sarengakathi, Nesarabad |
| Date of Incident | 13 March |
| Evidence Recovered | Hammer and motorcycle |
| Suspected Motive | Previous personal enmity |
| Legal Action | Murder case filed at Nesarabad Police Station |
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have transferred the two suspects to Nesarabad Police Station to complete legal procedures related to the murder case filed there. Law enforcement agencies have stated that the investigation remains ongoing to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the crime.
The shocking nature of the killing has caused widespread concern among residents of the area. Local community members have expressed alarm at the brutality of the incident and are urging authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and swift justice.