In a shocking incident in Gazipur’s Gacha area, a female businesswoman was publicly stabbed to death following a minor dispute. Police apprehended the main suspect, a former local student political leader, late on Saturday night in connection with the case.
The victim, Ranu Begum (40), hailed from Maijbag village in Ishwarganj upazila, Mymensingh. She was married to Mohammad Hiron and had been living in rented accommodation in West Kolmeshwar, Gazipur city. Ranu ran a clothing shop named “Rani Fashion Gallery” at Dulal Market in the area, catering to local shoppers for several years.
The prime suspect, Ashik Islam alias Swapon (27), is the son of local grocer Nazrul Islam and a former general secretary of Ward No. 35 of Gazipur City Chhatra Dal (student wing of a political party).
According to police and local sources, Ranu Begum had been involved in both the clothing business and local money-lending activities on interest for many years. Disputes had reportedly arisen between her and Nazrul Islam and his son Ashik over outstanding debts.
On the morning of the incident, around 8:00 am, Ranu reportedly verbally confronted and insulted Nazrul Islam over the matter. Angered by this, Ashik allegedly attacked Ranu with a sharp knife, inflicting multiple stab wounds. In an attempt to protect her, her son Hridoy Mia and a neighbour, Osman Hossain, intervened but were also injured in the attack. Ashik then fled the scene.
Local residents rushed the injured to Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital, where Ranu Begum succumbed to her injuries later that afternoon. Police subsequently recovered her body and sent it to the morgue. Following the incident, Ranu’s son, Hridoy Mia, filed a case against the suspect. Acting on the complaint, police launched an operation and arrested Ashik in Valuka, Mymensingh, around 2:00 am on Sunday.
Gazipur City Chhatra Dal president Rohanuzzaman Shukur told journalists, “Our organisation does not condone any form of violent behaviour. If Ashik has committed a crime, we demand exemplary punishment. He is no longer associated with the party’s activities.”
Gacha Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Moniruzzaman, confirmed that the main suspect has been arrested and sent to jail via the court. Operations continue to identify and detain any other individuals involved in the incident.
Key Individuals Involved in the Incident:
| Name | Age | Relationship / Role | Occupation / Position | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranu Begum | 40 | Victim, wife of Mohammad Hiron | Clothing shop owner | West Kolmeshwar, Gazipur |
| Ashik Islam (Swapon) | 27 | Son of Nazrul Islam, main suspect | Former student political leader | Kolmeshwar, Gazipur |
| Nazrul Islam | – | Father of Ashik Islam | Grocer | Kolmeshwar, Gazipur |
| Hridoy Mia | – | Son of Ranu Begum | – | – |
| Osman Hossain | – | Local resident who intervened | – | – |
This brutal attack has sent shockwaves through the local community, raising concerns over public safety and the escalation of business-related disputes into violent confrontations.