In a harrowing case that has shocked the residents of Kadamtali, a seven-year-old boy named Rifat was allegedly murdered by a neighbour following a dispute over a stolen mobile phone. The perpetrator, identified as Maya Begum (also known as Laboni), reportedly concealed the child’s body in a plastic drum overnight before abandoning it at a refuse site in Old Dhaka.
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The Disappearance and Discovery
The tragedy unfolded on Tuesday when Rifat’s mother, Munni Akhtar, reported to Kadamtali Police Station that her son had failed to return home after going out to play. A General Diary (GD) was filed, and an immediate investigation was launched. By Wednesday evening, the grim discovery of a child’s body inside a plastic drum was made in the Iron Bridge area of Gendaria. Upon being summoned by the authorities, Munni Akhtar heart-wrenchingly confirmed the identity of the deceased as her young son.
Detective Work and a Tell-Tale Garment
The breakthrough in the investigation came not from advanced forensics, but from meticulous local enquiries and a keen-eyed observation regarding a piece of clothing.
CCTV Analysis: Police reviewed footage showing the suspect transporting the drum via an auto-rickshaw.
The Clothing Clue: A distinctive kamiz (tunic) found with the body was shown to local residents.
Family Identification: Rifat’s sister recognised the garment as one she had previously seen worn by the daughter of their neighbour, Maya Begum.
When questioned, Maya’s daughter initially claimed the tunic was hers but was unable to produce it when asked, significantly deepening police suspicions. Under subsequent interrogation, Maya Begum confessed to the crime.
A Motive Rooted in Grudge
According to Sheikh Ashrafuzzaman, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kadamtali Police Station, the animosity began months prior when Maya Begum suspected Rifat’s sister of stealing her mobile phone. This suspicion led to a bitter feud between the two families.
On Tuesday, Maya allegedly lured Rifat into her home with the promise of food. Once inside, she confronted the child about the theft. Dissatisfied with his response, she struck him with such force that his head collided with a bedframe, resulting in his immediate death.
Case Profile: Rifat Murder Investigation
| Detail | Information |
| Victim | Rifat (7 years old) |
| Primary Suspect | Maya Begum (School Peon) |
| Motive | Retaliation for alleged mobile phone theft |
| Method of Disposal | Concealment in a rice drum; dumped in Gendaria |
| Key Evidence | CCTV footage and a daughter’s kamiz |
| Current Status | Suspect in custody following a full confession |
The Aftermath
Maya Begum, who worked as a peon at a local school, has been formally arrested. The victim’s father, Jahangir Hossain, an auto-rickshaw driver, and his family are now seeking the maximum penalty for the woman who betrayed their trust as a neighbour. This case serves as a somber reminder of how minor domestic disputes, if left to fester, can escalate into unthinkable acts of violence against the most vulnerable members of society.