Main Suspect Arrested 39 Days After Murder

Police have apprehended the main suspect in the killing of teenager Mustakim, following a violent clash over territorial control and gang rivalries in the riverine areas of Raipura, Narsingdi. On Monday afternoon, the accused, Masum Mia, also known as China Masum, admitted in court to his direct involvement in the murder.

Masum Mia (25) was arrested on Sunday afternoon from Sreemangal Railway Station in Moulvibazar, 39 days after the fatal incident. He is the son of Malek Mia from Saeedabad village in Sreenagar Union, Raipura. Authorities had been tracking him after learning he had gone into hiding in the region.

Incident Overview

The tragic killing occurred on 4 February in Saeedabad village, Sreenagar Union, when Mustakim, a seventh-grade student and the son of Saudi-based expatriate Masud Rana, was shot during a violent clash between two rival groups. The following night, Mustakim’s mother, Shahana Begum, filed a case at Raipura Police Station, naming Masum Mia, his father Malek Mia, and four to five unidentified individuals as defendants.

Local sources and police reports indicate that the Saeedabad area has long been divided between two competing factions: one led by Hanif Master and the other by Ershad Mia. On the morning of 4 February, Ershad Mia’s followers attacked the homes of Hanif Master’s supporters with firearms and makeshift weapons. During the ensuing confrontation, Mustakim, who had stepped out into the courtyard after waking, was struck in the left side of his chest by a bullet fired by Ershad Mia’s group, resulting in his instant death.

Investigation and Arrest

Police received intelligence confirming Masum Mia’s presence in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar. Under the supervision of Raipura Police Station’s Investigation Officer, Sub-Inspector Mohammad Shafiullah Shikdar, a team conducted a targeted operation. Using technological assistance, they tracked and arrested Masum Mia near the Sreemangal Railway Station on Sunday afternoon. He was subsequently brought back to Raipura Police Station that night.

Raipura Police Officer-in-Charge Mujibur Rahman stated that Masum Mia has now provided a statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. He added that the suspect has a history of involvement in multiple cases of vandalism and arson. Efforts to apprehend other accused individuals in the case are ongoing.

Authorities have emphasised that bringing all perpetrators to justice remains a priority, both to uphold the rule of law and to prevent further factional violence in the area. The arrest of Masum Mia demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated police intelligence and operational strategy.

This development marks a significant step forward in resolving the case and providing closure to Mustakim’s grieving family.