Shariatpur authorities, in a swift operation, have apprehended three suspects in connection with the brutal murder of 50-year-old pharmacy owner and mobile financial agent Khokon Das. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) successfully captured the accused during a night-time operation on Saturday in the Bajitpur area of Kishoreganj, subsequently bringing them back to Shariatpur for further investigation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
| Name | Age | Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Sohag Khan | 27 | Damudya |
| Rabbi Molla | 21 | – |
| Palash Sardar | 25 | – |
Shariatpur Superintendent of Police, Rownak Jahan, confirmed that prior to his death, Khokon Das was able to identify his attackers by name. Das, the son of Paresh Das, was a well-known local businessman engaged in both pharmaceutical trade and mobile financial services.
According to police reports, on the night of 31 December, Khokon Das was returning home after closing his shop at Keherbanga market. When he reached the Tiloi area, he was suddenly ambushed by three to four assailants wielding sharp weapons. The attackers inflicted multiple injuries on Das and forcibly stole cash from him.
Witnesses noted that the victim recognised some of the perpetrators, which reportedly enraged the attackers. In a horrific escalation, they attempted to set him on fire by pouring petrol over his body and igniting it. Local residents discovered Das in a severely burnt and injured state and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. Given the severity of his injuries, he was subsequently transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Superintendent Jahan added that the arrested men were previously known in the community for their involvement in petty crime and drug use. RAB’s operational team is continuing efforts to locate other potential accomplices linked to the incident.
Authorities have urged local residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure community safety.
A summary of the attack and subsequent events is provided below:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Shop Closure & Return Home | 31 December night, Keherbanga Market to Tiloi area |
| Nature of Attack | Stabbed with sharp weapons, cash robbery, attempted immolation with petrol |
| Initial Rescue | Locals rescued him and took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital |
| Advanced Medical Care | Transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital |
| Death | Succumbed to injuries while under treatment |
| Arrested | Sohag Khan, Rabbi Molla, Palash Sardar |
| Background of Accused | Known local troublemakers, drug users |
Both RAB and Shariatpur police have called on residents to exercise caution and remain alert, while promising heightened security in the area.