Dhaka police have been left deeply shaken by the brutal double murder of Laila Afroz and her daughter Nafisa Lawal Binte Aziz inside their Mohammadpur residence on Shahjahan Road. The nature of the wounds, the choice of weapons and the killer’s unnerving composure have led investigators to believe that the perpetrator was either a trained assassin or someone psychologically disturbed and driven by extreme rage.
The murders, committed on Monday, remain shrouded in mystery, and investigators say a civilian with no experience of handling weapons or inflicting targeted harm would find it almost impossible to carry out such a level of cruelty.
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Gruesome Details from the Initial Forensic Examination
The inquest reports describe injuries so severe that senior officers admitted they had not encountered such brutality in recent years. Laila Afroz’s body bore at least 30 wounds, many of them deep, deliberate and inflicted with precision. The distribution of her injuries suggests repeated, targeted strikes aimed at ensuring fatality.
Injury Details (As Recorded in the Inquest Report)
| Victim | Location of Injuries | Number of Wounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laila Afroz | Left cheek | 3 | Deep cuts |
| Chin | 4 | Sharp-force injuries | |
| Neck (below) | 5 | Likely intended to incapacitate | |
| Left arm | 3 | Defensive wounds suspected | |
| Both wrists | 3 | Possibly restrained or attacked while shielding | |
| Left chest | 9 | Clustered, fatal in nature | |
| Left abdomen | 2 | Penetrative | |
| Lower abdomen | 1 | Deepest wound | |
| Total | — | 30+ | — |
| Nafisa Lawal Binte Aziz | Neck & chest region | 6 | All deep wounds causing massive blood loss |
The autopsy confirmed that both victims died from excessive haemorrhage. Their bodies were handed over to relatives on Monday night.
Discovery of Unusual Weapons
Police recovered two knives from the crime scene. While one appeared to be an ordinary vegetable-cutting knife, the other was a rare “switch gear” combat-style weapon designed to fit between the fingers so it cannot slip during an attack.
Such a weapon, investigators say, is highly uncommon in private homes, leading them to suspect that the killer brought it specifically for the crime. The weapon’s design and the method of use strongly suggest professional training or a psychopathic mindset operating under extreme emotional volatility.
Cold-Blooded Escape
The investigation revealed that after committing the murders, the killer walked calmly into the bathroom, washed thoroughly, removed the blood-soaked clothing and escaped wearing the school uniform of the deceased girl. This level of composure, police believe, indicates advanced planning and psychological detachment.
A murder case has been filed naming the domestic worker Ayesha as a suspect, who is currently on the run.
Police Statement and Ongoing Investigation
Tejgaon Division’s Deputy Police Commissioner, Ibn-e-Mizan, stated that the brutality and precision point towards a trained individual. CCTV footage is being meticulously analysed to track the suspect’s movements before and after the killings. The use of a special weapon and the deliberate disguise suggest a premeditated act.
Police officials believe the mystery may be solved once the fugitive domestic worker is apprehended.
Burial in Natore
On Tuesday, following the Zuhr prayers, Laila Afroz and Nafisa were laid to rest at Garikhana Cemetery in Natore. Their funeral prayer was held at the Nawab Siraj-ud-Daula Government College grounds, attended by relatives, locals and well-wishers, all united in grief.
The nation watches anxiously as investigators continue to unravel the truth behind this horrific double murder.