Killers bash in head of man with rock, stomp body with perverse pleasure

A brutal daylight killing near Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka on Thursday has left the city shocked, after CCTV footage of the incident surfaced on social media showing a group of men savagely attacking another man's lifeless body in full public view, allegedly over control of scrap copper wire and metal business.

The victim, identified as Chand Mia alias Sohag, a local trader, was beaten and hacked to death inside the Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital compound shortly before sundown.

CCTV footage circulating on social media shows assailants dragging Sohag's bloodied body to the adjacent road and violently continuing their assault, stomping on his chest and punching his face.

Dozens of bystanders looked on in silence. Despite the nearby presence of hospital staff, security guards, and an Ansar camp, no one intervened. Sohag was declared dead at the hospital's emergency unit.

Witnesses said the attackers appeared to revel in their violence, standing over the body in a ruthless display of dominance.

A case has been filed with Kotwali Police Station by Sohag's sister, Manjuara Begum, naming at least 15-20 individuals including Mohin, Titu, Nannu, Sarwar Hossain, Riyad, Rakib, and others with known criminal affiliations.

Confirming the matter, Aminul Kabir Tarafdar, additional deputy commissioner of DMP's Lalbagh Division said, "We are treating this case with the highest urgency and will bring all perpetrators to justice."

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) have arrested Mahmudul Hasan Mohin (41), named as the prime suspect, and Tarek Rahman Robin (22).

"At the time of arrest, a foreign-made pistol was recovered from Robin's possession," reads the statement signed by DMP Deputy Commissioner (Media and Public Relations) Mohammad Talebur Rahman.

Additionally, two more individuals have been arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), bringing the total number of arrests to four, adds the statement.

According to police and local sources, the killing stemmed from a long-standing dispute over control of the illicit copper wire and scrap trade in the Mitford area.

Sohag, who ran a business called Sohana Metal, reportedly held a strong grip on the market. His rivals — Mahmudul Hasan Mohin and Sarwar Hossain Titu — allegedly demanded a 50% stake in the business or regular payments in its lieu.

Sohag was lured from his shop to the hospital compound under the pretense of a peace meeting, only to be ambushed by a group of 40 to 50 men, Sohag's relatives said.

Both the victim and several of the accused were reportedly involved in the local Jubo Dal, the BNP's youth wing, though formal party roles remain unclear.

Abdul Monayem Munna, president of Jubo Dal, told The Business Standard, "There are allegations against someone named Mohin. He was once involved with Chhatra Dal. He has not been seen at any Jubo Dal events recently, though he may have joined some rallies or processions. 

"Regardless of who the perpetrator is, there will be no leniency. We are investigating the matter. If anyone from Jubo Dal is found to be involved, organisational action will be taken against them. We will also ask the authorities to bring them under the law. A press conference will be held tomorrow to share more details from the organisation's side."

Nurul Islam Nayan, general secretary of Jubo Dal, said, "The person accused was a candidate for the position of general secretary of the Jubo Dal's Chawkbazar unit. Many people can be candidates. 

"Those seen in the video are not direct leaders or activists of Jubo Dal. However, two of the accused named in the case are affiliated with Jubo Dal. We urge the law enforcement agencies to take legal action against those involved."