A teenage boy who once travelled regularly in a neighbour’s auto-rickshaw—reportedly paying double fare—was brutally murdered after a dispute linked to illicit drug profits, according to a recent judicial confession that has reopened a four-year-old case in southern Bangladesh.
The killing took place in July 2022 in the hilly Ucchar Bill area of Puranagar in Satkania, Chattogram. The victim, a local teenager from a farming family, had allegedly become involved in the distribution of the synthetic drug yaba. His neighbour, an auto-rickshaw driver, later discovered this alleged involvement and demanded a share of the profits. When the teenager refused, tensions escalated fatally.
The accused driver, Mohammad Parvez (24), recently confessed before a judicial magistrate, detailing how the murder was planned and executed with the assistance of several others. He was arrested earlier this month after investigators traced long-standing links between him and the victim.
According to the confession, the teenager frequently used Parvez’s vehicle for travel, often paying higher-than-usual fares. Over time, Parvez realised the boy was allegedly involved in yaba trading and began pressuring him for a portion of the earnings. The refusal allegedly triggered anger and led to a coordinated attack.
On the night of 17 July 2022, the teenager was allegedly called out from a carrom game by an acquaintance and taken to a local college field. There, Parvez and several associates allegedly confronted him, demanded yaba and cash, and forcibly took money from his possession. He was then beaten and taken towards a nearby bridge.
Witness statements cited in the confession describe the teenager pleading for his life, saying he could surrender everything if spared. However, the attackers allegedly decided to kill him to prevent identification. He was struck with a sharp hoe, resulting in fatal injuries. His head was later severed, and the body was buried in a shallow grave in a nearby hill area in an attempt to conceal the crime. Investigators also noted that the attackers attempted to remove identifying features.
Approximately three weeks later, local wildlife reportedly disturbed the grave, exposing the remains. The victim was later identified by his clothing, allowing his family to recognise him and file a murder case at Satkania Police Station.
Key developments in the case
| Date/Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 17 July 2022 | Teenager abducted and murdered in Satkania |
| July–August 2022 | Body buried in hilly area to conceal evidence |
| ~3 weeks later | Remains discovered after disturbance by wildlife |
| 2022 onward | Murder case filed and initial investigation begins |
| 9 October 2024 | Court orders Criminal Investigation Department probe |
| May 2026 | Suspect Parvez arrested and confesses in court |
Investigators from the Criminal Investigation Department stated that the case, initially considered difficult due to lack of leads, began to unravel after tracing the victim’s movements and his repeated use of the rickshaw driver’s vehicle. Authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals allegedly involved.
Officials also indicated that a charge sheet will be submitted shortly following the completion of the investigation. The victim’s father has demanded the arrest of all suspects and the strictest possible punishment, stating that he had never imagined the neighbour he trusted would be implicated in his son’s death.