A murder investigation in Bahubal, Habiganj, has taken a complex turn as police uncover what they describe as a deeply interwoven family and property dispute, allegedly involving attempts to frame rival relatives and manipulate legal proceedings.
The case relates to the killing of housewife Nazma Akter, whose body was discovered on 20 October last year in a bamboo grove near her residence in Kachihata village. Following the discovery, her daughter, Nargis Akter, filed a murder case naming 10 individuals, including her paternal uncle and others from the extended family network.
Initially, the case appeared to point towards a broader family feud. However, investigators from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) state that the circumstances gradually indicated possible misdirection of blame and internal manipulation of the complaint.
According to investigators, Abdus Gani—described as the victim’s step-uncle-in-law—allegedly played a central role in both the early handling of the case and its subsequent direction. Authorities claim he had longstanding disputes with several relatives, including Torab Ali and Selim Mia, both of whom had previous altercations and legal disputes with him.
The investigation also revealed inconsistencies in the initial naming of suspects. One individual listed as an accused, Abdun Nur, was found to have no criminal record. He was later arrested and reportedly provided a statement under judicial confession, claiming he had witnessed aspects of the incident and was falsely implicated.
Further developments led investigators to arrest Abdus Gani after re-examining evidence and witness accounts. Police say the motive may be linked to prior conflicts, including a previous assault case in which Gani had reportedly been imprisoned following a complaint filed by a relative of the victim’s family.
Tensions within the case escalated further when Nargis Akter publicly questioned the conduct of the investigating officer, alleging bias in favour of certain accused individuals. However, local representatives and investigators have suggested that her involvement in the case proceedings may have been influenced by complex family ties, including her marriage into the accused’s family.
Key Individuals Involved
| Name | Role in Case | Relation | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nazma Akter | Deceased | Housewife | Victim |
| Nargis Akter | Complainant | Daughter of victim | Active in case proceedings |
| Abdus Gani | Primary accused (alleged) | Relative by marriage | Arrested, later granted bail |
| Abdun Nur | Initially named accused | Labourer | Arrested, later gave statement |
| Torab Ali | Named accused | Relative | Under investigation |
| Selim Mia | Named accused | Relative | Under investigation |
Local elected member Abdul Hannan noted that Abdus Gani had recently sold his property and relocated part of his assets, raising further questions in the community about his movements prior to the escalation of the case. Another local representative, Fulma Rani Deb, declined to make detailed comments but suggested that the situation carried underlying complexities.
Investigators have also stated that the victim’s body showed signs consistent with post-mortem staging concerns, including wet clothing and absence of visible blood at the scene, although a definitive forensic conclusion has not been publicly released.
The PBI reports that the investigation is nearing completion, with a charge sheet expected soon. Officials have indicated that the case has evolved significantly from its original filing, with multiple layers of family conflict, prior disputes, and alleged attempts to influence legal outcomes now under scrutiny.