HC removes RAB from Sagar-Runi murder probe

The High Court today removed the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from the investigation into the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi in 2012. 

It also directed the home ministry to form a high-powered task force to investigate the case, which was ordered to submit the investigation report in six months.

The High Court bench of Justice Farah Mahabub and Justice Mahbubul Islam passed the order following an application that sought to remove the RAB from the investigation.

The HC bench termed the failure to complete the investigation as shocking.

In court, the hearing on behalf of the state was conducted by Additional Attorney General Arshadur Rauf and Additional Attorney General Barrister Anik R Haque. Advocate Mohammad Shishir Manir represented the plaintiff, while Advocate Manzill Murshed argued on behalf of the writ.

Advocate Shishir Monir said, "We will begin working on uncovering the mystery behind the Sagar-Runi murder. As part of this, we will meet with the investigators very soon. Simultaneously, we will engage in legal battles in both the lower and higher courts to uncover the truth behind the murder."
 

Sagar Sarwar, news editor of Machranga Television, and his wife Mehrun Runi, senior reporter of ATN Bangla, were murdered on 11 February 2012 in their house in West Rajabazar of the capital. 

As of 30 June, the time of submission of the investigation report of the murder case has been delayed 111 times.

From the assurance of justice within 48 hours by then-home minister to the daunting possibility of a 50-year investigation period mentioned by the incumbent law minister, the murder case of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi continues to be an unresolved mystery even after 12 years.

Initially, after the shocking murders of the journalist couple in their Dhaka apartment on 11 February 2012, Sahara Khatun, the home minister at the time, committed to apprehending the perpetrators within 48 hours.

The investigation agencies said they were "giving utmost importance to the investigation."

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the agency currently in charge of the case, sought over 105 extensions to submit its findings to the court. 

Earlier on 2 July, the HC said the delays in the Sagar-Runi probe were a continuous mockery of the criminal justice system.