Several arrested over killing of customs official in Cumilla

Rapid Action Battalion today (26 April) has arrested multiple suspects in connection with the killing of customs official Bullet Bairagi in Cumilla.

A source said at least five people were arrested this afternoon and evening, however, RAB-11 CPC-2 Deputy Director Sadman Islam did not confirm the number of arrestees.

He said details about the arrests will be disclosed at a press conference at 10:30am tomorrow (27 April).

Earlier, police recovered the bloodied body of Bullet Bairagi from the Kotbari area of the Dhaka-Chattogram highway in Cumilla yesterday morning (25 April) while he was returning home after completing basic training.

A case was filed with Cumilla Sadar South Police Station by his mother Nilima Bairagi.

Meanwhile, his body was taken to his village home in Tungipara, Gopalganj, this morning after legal procedures. It will be cremated there following the last rites.

Bairagi's mother alleged that her son's death was not an accident but a murder and demanded the swift arrest and exemplary punishment of those responsible.

Cumilla Customs, Excise and VAT Commissioner Abdul Mannan Sardar said Bairagi was working as an assistant revenue officer and had been attending the 44th basic training in Chattogram.

He joined the training on 11 April and left for Cumilla by bus from Alankar intersection around 11pm on Friday (24 April).

He remained in contact with his family during the journey and last spoke at 1:25am, saying he had reached Tomchom Bridge intersection in Cumilla city.

His body was recovered by highway police from beside the highway near Irish Hotel on the Chattogram-bound lane in the Kotbari area.

Officials said the customs office will provide all necessary support to uncover the mystery behind his death.

Cumilla Additional Superintendent of Police Istiaq Hasan Amin said multiple police teams are working to uncover the truth behind the incident, and the investigation is ongoing.