Journo Tuhin murder: Another accused arrested in Dhaka
With the latest arrest, the total number of people held in the case has risen to nine
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested another suspect over the killing of journalist Asaduzzaman Tuhin, who was hacked to death in Gazipur on 7 August.
The arrestee, Rafiqul Islam Arman, was detained in Dhaka on Monday night for his alleged direct involvement in the murder, confirmed Wing Commander MZM Intekhab Chowdhury, director of RAB's Legal and Media Wing.
Md Rabiul Hasan, deputy commissioner (crime-north) of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, said, "Arman is one of those who directly participated in Tuhin's murder. The person seen wearing a blue shirt in the CCTV footage is this Arman. After his arrest, he was handed over to the police."
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Arman's arrest brings the total number of people held in the case to nine. Police have arrested six suspects, including the main accused, from various parts of Gazipur and Dhaka, while the RAB has detained three, including Arman.
Tuhin, 38, was the Gazipur staff reporter for Dainik Protidiner Kagoj. Originally from Mymensingh's Fulbaria upazila, he lived in Gazipur city with his wife and two sons.
According to a court statement given on Monday by one of the accused, Shahjalal, the killing took place after Mizan alias Ketu Mizan and his associates, including Arman, realised Tuhin was recording them attacking another man. Then they turned on him.
Shahjalal claimed the group, armed with machetes and knives, chased Tuhin and hacked him in front of a tea stall before fleeing. He also alleged the group was involved in drug trading and robberies.
The autopsy report on Tuhin stated that he sustained nine severe wounds inflicted by sharp weapons to his neck, shoulders, chest, back, and arms.
Police said Arman was arrested based on Shahjalal's statement.
Seven suspects were produced before court on Monday, but Shahjalal was the only one to confess.
The other arrested individuals include the main suspect Mizan alias Ketu Mizan, his wife Golapi, Md Swadhin, Al Amin, Md Faisal Hasan and Sumon.
Police said some of the suspects denied involvement, claiming they had been hired by others, including people with prior criminal records. Though the authorities have not confirmed these claims, they suggested that the killing could be part of a larger organised plot.
RAB has reportedly detained another accused, Shahidul, from Kishoreganj, but this could not be confirmed. On the matter, Deputy Commissioner Md Rabiul Hasan said, "I will find out and let you know later."
