Police in Narayanganj have disclosed that the killing of 35-year-old Sumon Khalifa was driven by an extra-marital affair involving his wife, singer Sonia Akhter. Within only twenty-four hours, the authorities claim to have cracked the case, arresting six suspects and uncovering the alleged plot behind the brutal murder.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Superintendent of Police Mizanur Rahman Munshi presented the findings, describing the murder as a calculated act rooted in betrayal, jealousy and long-standing marital conflict. According to the police, Sonia had been engaged in a secret relationship with Mehedi Hasan—also known as Yusuf—who is among the six individuals now in custody.
The relationship had strained the couple’s marriage for months. Arguments between Sonia and Sumon became increasingly frequent, fuelled by mistrust and accusations. Police believe the tension escalated to such an extent that Sonia and her lover conspired to eliminate Sumon altogether.
The murder was carried out on the night of 30 November. Sumon had accompanied his wife to a musical programme in Panchabati, leaving her at the venue before stepping outside. The assailants allegedly contacted him moments later, persuading him to leave the area on the pretext of an urgent matter. Instead, he was coerced into a CNG auto-rickshaw and transported to Char Kashipur, where he was attacked with sharp weapons and killed.
Police arrested the suspects—Sonia (22), Mehedi (42), Abdur Rahman (28), Billal Hossain (58), Alamgir Hawlader (45) and Nannu Mia (55)—during a series of raids conducted across Narayanganj. Investigators also recovered a machete and a switchgear believed to have been used in the crime. Officers credited digital surveillance tools for helping them track down Mehedi, whose initial confession led to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
SP Munshi stressed that the investigation is far from over. Although the primary suspects are now in custody, police are reviewing evidence to determine whether more individuals were involved in planning or facilitating the murder. “No possible angle will be overlooked,” he said.
Sumon’s body, bearing multiple injuries, had been discovered on the morning of 1 December in Middle Narsinghpur. The gruesome discovery stunned local residents, many of whom knew Sumon and his family well. Originally from Agailjhara in Barishal, Sumon lived with his family in the Mouchak area of Siddhirganj. His father filed a formal case that same night, prompting the rapid police response.
The case has sparked considerable debate within the community. Some residents have expressed disbelief that a domestic dispute could escalate to such extreme violence. Others have called for stricter monitoring of domestic conflict and mental health support.
As the suspects remain in custody and the investigation proceeds, the tragedy of Sumon Khalifa’s death continues to reverberate. The case has exposed a dark tale of marital betrayal and orchestrated violence—one that has left an entire community searching for answers.