Police in Faridpur have disclosed that the younger brother of a man who was brutally murdered earlier this month allegedly orchestrated the killing, with investigators linking the crime to a combination of family conflict and disputes over drug-related financial dealings.
The victim, Raju Sheikh (36), was a resident of the Station Bazaar Muslim Colony in Kutibari Mahalla No. 2 of Faridpur town. He died on the night of 2 March after being attacked with sharp weapons by a group of assailants.
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Deadly Assault in Station Bazaar
According to police, the attack took place at around 10:00 p.m. in front of a meat shop in the Station Bazaar area. Witnesses reported that several attackers suddenly confronted Raju Sheikh and assaulted him with machetes and other sharp weapons.
Locals quickly rescued the critically injured victim and rushed him to the trauma centre of Faridpur Medical College Hospital. Despite receiving emergency treatment, he succumbed to his injuries at approximately 11:30 p.m. the same night.
Following the incident, the victim’s mother, Chhobi Begum, lodged a murder case with Faridpur Kotwali Police Station on 3 March. The case initially named ten individuals as suspects and included several unidentified persons as additional accused. However, the victim’s younger brother was not mentioned in the original complaint.
Investigation Points to Brother as Planner
At a press conference held on Monday afternoon at the office of the Superintendent of Police, Superintendent of Police Nazrul Islam stated that investigators uncovered new information after examining witness accounts, intelligence reports and technological evidence.
According to the police investigation, Ibrahim Sheikh (26)—the younger brother of the deceased—allegedly masterminded the attack. Authorities believe the crime was driven by a long-standing family dispute, compounded by tensions over drug-related financial transactions.
Police sources indicated that the two brothers had been engaged in an ongoing conflict for some time. The dispute reportedly escalated dramatically three days before the murder, when Raju allegedly attacked Ibrahim with a sharp weapon during an altercation.
Investigators believe the incident fuelled Ibrahim’s desire for revenge. He is alleged to have subsequently organised the attack by recruiting several associates, including Hridoy, Sakib, Robiul, Maruf and Swapno, who participated in the assault according to a premeditated plan.
Drug-Related Disputes Intensified Tensions
Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Azmir Hossain said the victim had a history of involvement in narcotics-related offences.
Police records show that Raju Sheikh faced four separate cases under the Narcotics Control Act. Investigators further allege that he had obtained drugs from several individuals—including the mother and mother-in-law of suspect Hridoy and another suspect, Swapno—and later sold the substances without settling the payments.
This alleged financial dispute reportedly deepened resentment among those involved and contributed significantly to the violent confrontation that ultimately led to the murder.
Arrests and Seizure of Weapons
The case is currently being investigated by Sub-Inspector Saiful Islam of Faridpur Kotwali Police Station. According to the investigating officer, the accused fled to various parts of the country, including Dhaka, immediately after the killing.
Using confidential sources and digital tracking technology, law enforcement authorities launched coordinated operations in several districts. Some suspects were arrested from the Santhia area of Pabna district, while others were apprehended from different locations within Faridpur.
So far, eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.
On Sunday night, acting on information obtained during interrogation, police conducted a raid in the Habeli Gopalpur area of Kotwali and recovered the weapons believed to have been used in the attack, including four machetes and one knife.
Key Facts of the Case
| Case Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Raju Sheikh (36) |
| Alleged Mastermind | Ibrahim Sheikh (26), younger brother |
| Date of Attack | 2 March |
| Location | Station Bazaar, Faridpur |
| Time of Death | Approximately 11:30 p.m. |
| Case Filed | 3 March by victim’s mother |
| Number of Arrests | 8 suspects |
| Weapons Recovered | Four machetes and one knife |
Senior Police Officials Present
The press briefing was attended by several senior officers, including Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Fatema Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Shamsul Azam, Additional Superintendent of Police Azmir Hossain, and Officer-in-Charge Shahidul Islam of Kotwali Police Station.
Police officials stated that the investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests may follow as authorities continue to examine the broader network of individuals connected to the crime.