The body of a missing auto-rickshaw driver was recovered in Muradnagar, Cumilla, a day after he disappeared, prompting a murder investigation that has already led to one arrest. Police believe the victim may have been killed during an attempted robbery or theft of his vehicle, while efforts continue to identify and apprehend any additional suspects involved in the crime.
The deceased, Mahbul, 28, was a resident of Gokulnagar village in Muradnagar upazila. The arrested suspect, Naim Islam, 25, originally hails from South Tili village in Daudkandi upazila’s Panchgachia Union but had been living with his family in a rented house in the Nagarpar area of Muradnagar.
According to police and family members, Mahbul left home at approximately 10:00 pm on Thursday with his auto-rickshaw. Before leaving, he reportedly informed relatives that he was transporting two passengers to their destination. When he failed to return home late that night, his family became concerned and repeatedly attempted to contact him by mobile phone. However, the phone was switched off.
Relatives spent the night and the following day searching for him at various locations, but no trace of the driver could be found. Their fears intensified as hours passed without any information regarding his whereabouts.
The search came to a tragic end on Saturday afternoon when local residents discovered the body of an unidentified man lying in roadside bushes in the Dorerpar area of Bailabari village under Tonki Union. They immediately informed Bangra Bazar Police Station.
Police officers rushed to the scene and recovered the body. Later, family members arrived and identified the deceased as Mahbul. News of the discovery spread quickly through the area, generating widespread concern and discussion among local residents.
Investigators have indicated that preliminary evidence suggests Mahbul may have been strangled to death. Officers suspect the motive could have been the theft or hijacking of his auto-rickshaw. However, police emphasised that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after the post-mortem examination report is received.
Mahbul’s father, Nurul Islam, subsequently filed a murder case against unidentified individuals. Following the launch of the investigation, police conducted an operation and arrested Naim Islam on Saturday afternoon. Investigators stated that questioning of the suspect has yielded important information that may assist in identifying others connected to the killing.
In a significant development, the stolen auto-rickshaw has been recovered from the Kodalkata–Mirzapur area. Police believe the recovery of the vehicle could provide crucial evidence regarding the motive behind the crime and the identities of those responsible.
Incident Summary
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Mahbul (28) |
| Occupation | Auto-rickshaw driver |
| Residence | Gokulnagar, Muradnagar |
| Last Seen | Thursday, around 10:00 pm |
| Body Recovery Site | Roadside bushes in Dorerpar area, Bailabari village |
| Recovering Authority | Bangra Bazar Police Station |
| Arrested Suspect | Naim Islam (25) |
| Suspected Motive | Auto-rickshaw robbery or theft |
| Vehicle Recovered | Yes |
| Recovery Location of Vehicle | Kodalkata–Mirzapur area |
| Case Status | Murder investigation ongoing |
Police have sent the body to the morgue of Cumilla Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Authorities said further legal action will be determined based on forensic findings and evidence gathered during the investigation. Preparations are underway to produce the arrested suspect before a court, while law enforcement agencies continue operations to locate and arrest any additional individuals linked to the killing.
The case has drawn considerable attention in the locality, highlighting ongoing concerns over crimes targeting transport workers, particularly those operating alone at night. Investigators remain focused on establishing the full sequence of events, identifying all perpetrators, and determining whether the killing was part of a premeditated vehicle theft operation or another criminal act.
