Teenage Auto-Rickshaw Driver Found Dead in Manikganj Jute Field

The body of a 17-year-old battery-operated auto-rickshaw driver has been recovered from a jute field in the Singair Upazila of Manikganj. Police launched an immediate investigation after discovering the victim’s mangled vehicle abandoned by the roadside. Three stray sandals found at the scene are being treated as vital forensic evidence. Authorities have already detained one suspect for questioning in connection with the suspected murder.

Midnight Discovery Sparks Police Hunt

The incident occurred around midnight on Tuesday in the Nabagram Kashta Golai area under the Boldhara Union of Singair Upazila. Local residents first noticed a battery-driven auto-rickshaw lying overturned and severely damaged by the side of a deserted road. Sensing foul play given the late hour and the condition of the vehicle, they immediately alerted the local police station.

A police team arrived at the scene shortly after receiving the call. Upon searching the immediate vicinity, officers discovered the lifeless body of the teenager hidden inside a nearby jute field. The deceased has been identified as Sakibul Islam, a resident of Mitra village in Manikganj Sadar Upazila, and the son of Rahmat, locally known as Tulu. Sakibul earned his livelihood operating the battery-powered vehicle in and around the district.

Identity Confirmed and Vital Clues Secured

Initial efforts to identify the victim at the scene were successful when officers recovered a mobile phone from the body. Using the device, police contacted his family, who later confirmed his identity. Alongside the body and the wrecked vehicle, investigators seized three mismatched sandals from the spot. Detectives believe these items belong to the perpetrators and could provide a breakthrough during forensic analysis. Following the preliminary inquest, the body was sent to the Manikganj District Sadar Hospital morgue for a post-mortem examination.

The gravity of the crime prompted senior law enforcement officials to visit the site on Wednesday afternoon. Manikganj Superintendent of Police, Sarwar Alam, accompanied by Additional Superintendent of Police, Salauddin, inspected the crime scene and briefed the investigating team on the next steps.

Suspect Detained as Murder Investigation Deepens

According to Md Mazharul Islam, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Singair Police Station, the primary assessment suggests a violent struggle took place. Although there were no prominent external injury marks on the teenager’s body, preliminary findings indicate that he was strangled to death. The exact cause of death will only be verified once the full medical report is delivered by the hospital morgue.

The police have detained a 22-year-old furniture designer, identified as Swapan, for questioning based on suspicion of his involvement in the crime. Investigators are currently interrogating him to uncover the motive behind the killing, including whether this was a targeted attack or a fatal robbery attempt aimed at stealing the auto-rickshaw. Meanwhile, Sakibul’s family is preparing to file a formal murder case at the Singair Police Station as the hunt for any remaining accomplices continues.