Police in Shariatpur have arrested the prime architect behind the high-profile murder of Khadem Zaynal Sardar in Naria. The apprehended individual is Pir Touhidul Hossain Shahin Nuri, 49, the hereditary custodian of the Sureshwar Darbar. The arrest was made early Wednesday morning (4 March) at his residence. Authorities recovered several crucial pieces of evidence, including weapons believed to have been used in the killing.
Incident Overview
According to police reports and case documents, on 24 October last year, Zaynal Sardar left his home around 4:00 PM. He briefly returned at 9:00 PM to deliver medicine to his mother, but failed to return home later that night. Concerned family members began searching for him at 11:00 PM. The following day, they discovered Sardar’s chair and table at a local garage.
Later, residents of Atpara in Ghorishar Union noticed a body wrapped in plastic floating in a pond and immediately informed the police. The body was retrieved, and family members confirmed it as that of Zaynal Sardar.
On 25 October, Sardar’s daughter, Isha Akter (20), filed a murder case at Naria Police Station against unidentified individuals. Investigation officer Md. Robiul Haque, through careful analysis of CCTV footage, identified two suspects, including Robin Sheikh (32), who was arrested in Munshiganj. Based on Robin Sheikh’s statements and video evidence, Pir Touhidul was identified as the main planner of the murder.
Recovered Evidence
During the raid on Pir Touhidul’s residence, police recovered a wide array of evidence linked to the killing:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Knife | 1 |
| Empty shotgun cartridges | 133 |
| Hard drives | 6 |
| SSD | 1 |
| Walkie-talkie sets | 4 |
| DVR | 1 |
| Android mobile phones | 3 |
| Button phones | 4 |
| Siring shot rifles | 2 |
| Various shotgun parts and boxes | Multiple |
Investigation Update
Naria Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Bahar Mia, stated that interrogations of the arrested suspects are ongoing. Efforts continue to uncover the motive behind the murder and to apprehend other individuals involved. The seized evidence is expected to expedite the proceedings of the case.
Investigation officer Md. Robiul Haque remarked, “Initial interrogations and evidence collection indicate that the murder was premeditated. We are making every effort to capture all parties involved.”
The gruesome crime and subsequent arrests have left the local community deeply concerned. Authorities have assured that security measures will be reinforced and that justice will be delivered to all perpetrators.