Musabbir murder: 3 remanded, one accused confesses in court
Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque recorded Jinnat's confessional statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
A Dhaka court today (12 January) placed three suspects on seven-day remand each in connection with the murder of Md Azizur Rahman Musabbir, a former general secretary of the Dhaka City North unit of Swechchhasebak Dal.
Another suspect, identified as Jinnat, 24, has reportedly confessed to his involvement in the killing.
Metropolitan Magistrate Sarah Farzana Haque recorded Jinnat's confessional statement under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
The three other suspects – Md Billal, the alleged coordinator; Abdul Qadir, who assisted the group; and Md Riaz, who acted as a spotter – were produced in the court of Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Joshita Islam.
The court granted the seven-day remand following a police petition seeking time to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and recover the firearms used in the attack.
The remand application describes the case as a sensational murder. It states that four to five unidentified individuals allegedly premeditated and shot the victim, the husband of the plaintiff, under the direction and supervision of other unknown accused.
Witness Sufian Bepari Masud is receiving treatment for serious injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
According to the application, during initial questioning, the accused have admitted involvement in the incident. Police argue that placing the accused in remand and conducting thorough interrogations is essential to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
Such questioning could help uncover the full circumstances of the crime, recover the weapons used and trace their origin, identify and apprehend the main planners and accomplices, and confirm the identities and addresses of other unidentified suspects, said the remand plea.
No lawyer was present for the defendants in the court today.
The Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) revealed yesterday that the murder, which took place in the capital's Tejturi Bazar area on 7 January, was likely motivated by a business dispute.
Speaking at a press conference at DMP media centre, DB chief Additional Commissioner Md Shafiqul Islam said, "Our initial investigation indicates that the murder may have been committed over a business disagreement. We are also probing other possible motives, including political links."
Musabbir, 45, was gunned down in a narrow alley beside Star Kabab at around 8:30pm last Wednesday. CCTV footage showed two assailants, their faces partially covered, lying in wait before opening fire. Musabbir sustained gunshot wounds to his abdomen and elbow, while his companion, Abu Sufian Bepari Masud, general secretary of the Tejgaon Van Workers' Union, was also seriously injured in the attack.
