Authorities in Babuganj, Barisal have arrested a father and son in connection with the horrific killing of 9-year-old Raisa Moni, who was set on fire last Sunday in the Daherghoti Union, South Rakudia area. The primary suspect, a minor, was taken into custody late on Wednesday night, while his father, Jalal Sikdar, surrendered to police on Thursday morning. Sheikh Md. Ehteshamul Islam, Officer-in-Charge of Babuganj Police Station, confirmed that both suspects are being processed for court remand and subsequent incarceration.
Reports indicate that the day after the incident, police claimed to have recovered a note from Raisa’s home suggesting suicidal intentions. However, it remains unverified whether the note was genuinely written by Raisa. The note has sparked controversy. Raisa’s father, Nazrul Haoladar, insisted that no such note was found at home following the incident, alleging that the police produced it later to protect the suspects.
Family members also stated that the minor had previously made inappropriate proposals to Raisa. Complaints about these actions were reportedly ignored, and instead, the child was threatened. Locals and relatives allege that the son committed the crime under the protection of his father, leading to the father being implicated as an accomplice.
According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred when Raisa refused the minor’s proposal, prompting him to pour a flammable substance on her and ignite it. A neighbouring woman’s screams alerted locals, who rushed to rescue the severely burned child. Raisa was initially admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal but was later transferred to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka due to her deteriorating condition. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries the same night.
During the ambulance transfer, Raisa reportedly recounted the incident, and a video capturing her account has circulated on social media, confirming she was set on fire after rejecting the proposal.
The incident has provoked widespread grief and anger in the local community. On Wednesday, residents blocked the main road demanding swift justice and exemplary punishment. Authorities are now faced with verifying the authenticity of the note, cross-referencing Raisa’s statements, and examining prior complaints against the accused.
Key details of the case are summarised below:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Raisa Moni |
| Age | 9 years |
| Location | Daherghoti Union, South Rakudia, Babuganj, Barisal |
| Primary Suspect | Minor son of Jalal Sikdar |
| Secondary Suspect | Jalal Sikdar (father) |
| Date of Incident | Sunday afternoon (exact date unconfirmed) |
| Cause | Set on fire with flammable liquid |
| Initial Hospital | Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barisal |
| Final Hospital | National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, Dhaka |
| Outcome | Deceased same night |
| Legal Status | Arrested, awaiting court remand |
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on the sequence of events, the note’s validity, and corroborating prior complaints. The case has highlighted pressing concerns about child protection and the accountability of guardians in preventing such tragedies.
Local residents continue to demand urgent legal action and stronger safeguards to prevent similar incidents in the future.