Court Hearing Delayed in Mitford Murder Case

The trial in the high-profile murder case of businessman Sohag, also known as Lal Chand, has been temporarily delayed after one of the accused declared a lack of confidence in the trial court. As a result, the court has postponed the recording of witness testimony until 27 July.

The decision was made on Sunday (19 July) after accused Mahmudul Hasan Mahin expressed his objection to the court of Dhaka’s 1st Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge, Md Alamgir. His defence counsel, Mashrur Hossain, requested that the scheduled witness examination be deferred, and the court accepted the application. The development was confirmed by the complainant’s lawyer, Ziaul Haque.

According to defence lawyer Mashrur Hossain, he was unable to attend the charge-framing hearing on 12 July because of heavy rainfall. He represents seven of the accused in the case and argued that the court proceeded with framing charges without allowing additional time for his appearance. For that reason, the defence has formally filed a petition before the Metropolitan Sessions Judge expressing a lack of confidence in the current trial court. The petition is scheduled to be heard on 22 July.

He added that, since the application challenging the court had already been filed, the defence requested a postponement of witness testimony until the matter is resolved. The trial court subsequently granted the request.

The case involves 21 accused, including Mahmudul Hasan Mahin, Alamgir, Monir, Nannu Kazi, Sajib Bepari, Titon Gazi, Tarek রহমান Robin, Zahirul Islam, Parvez, Sagar, Rizwan Uddin, also known as Abhijit Basu or Abhi, Ruman Bepari, Abir Hossain, Zahir, Imran Hossain, Sharafat, also known as Shafiul Islam, Hossain Chowkidar, Ziauddin Rajib, Sarwar Hossain Titu, Monir, also known as Chhoto Monir, and Apu Das.

Court records show that 10 of the accused remain in custody, three have secured bail, while the remaining eight are still absconding.

The case stems from the killing of Sohag, a trader dealing in scrap metal and used electrical wires, who was attacked outside Gate No. 3 of Mitford Hospital on the afternoon of 9 July 2025. Investigators say he was fatally assaulted with concrete blocks, suffering severe injuries to his head and body. A video of the brutal attack later spread widely on social media, triggering public outrage and prompting demands for swift justice.

Police and local residents have stated that several of those allegedly involved in the killing were personally known to the victim. Some had reportedly maintained business relationships with Sohag in the past. Investigators believe a business dispute may have been the primary motive behind the murder, although the matter remains part of the ongoing judicial process.

Following the incident, the victim’s elder sister, Monjuara Begum, filed a murder case with Kotwali Police Station. An initial charge sheet was submitted after the first phase of the investigation. However, the investigating officer later requested further investigation after identifying procedural shortcomings. On 20 January, the court approved that request and ordered the case to be reinvestigated.

The investigation was subsequently transferred to Inspector Shah Md Faisal Ahmed of Kotwali Police Station. After completing the fresh investigation, he submitted a revised charge sheet on 10 May naming 21 individuals as accused. On 21 June, the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate of Dhaka transferred the case to the Metropolitan Sessions Court, paving the way for formal trial proceedings.

The upcoming hearing on the defence’s application regarding the trial court is expected to determine whether the case will continue before the same judge or be reassigned before witness testimony resumes.