Autorickshaw Driver Murder Suspect Arrested in Cumilla

Police in Cumilla’s Laksam upazila have arrested a man accused of murdering an autorickshaw driver, whose body was earlier recovered from the toilet of a mosque complex in Srioang village, in a case that has shocked the local community and prompted a swift intelligence-led investigation.

The arrested suspect has been identified as Habibur Rahman Sabuj (31), a resident of Maindargao village under Baisgaon Union in Monohorgonj upazila. He was detained following a targeted operation conducted by police in the Dhendabor area of Ashulia police station in Dhaka district.

Body Found in Mosque Toilet Sparks Investigation

The incident first came to light after the body of autorickshaw driver Morshed was discovered inside the toilet of the Miajibari Jame Mosque premises in Srioang village under Laksam upazila. The recovery of the body triggered widespread concern in the area, with local residents expressing shock over the violent nature of the crime.

Police later confirmed that the victim had been murdered elsewhere before his body was dumped at the mosque location in an attempt to conceal the crime.

How the Crime Was Allegedly Committed

According to Sub-Inspector Mongchay Marma of Laksam Police Station, the victim was lured on the morning of 22 March under the pretext of a hired trip.

At around 6:00 am, suspect Habibur Rahman Sabuj reportedly contacted Morshed by mobile phone and asked him to come to Pomgaon Bazar. Upon arrival, the accused hired the autorickshaw for a full-day trip, agreeing to pay a fare of BDT 1,500.

During the day, the accused and the driver travelled across several local markets, including Bernaia Bazar, Lokshonpur Bazar, and Monohorgonj Bazar. Police believe this movement was used to avoid suspicion while the plan was being executed.

Later, when they reached the Srioang village area near the Miajibari mosque, the suspect allegedly strangled the driver using a towel (gamcha), killing him on the spot. The body was then dumped inside the mosque toilet in an attempt to hide the crime.

Victim’s Family Files Case

Following the recovery of the body, the victim’s father, Mostafa Kamal Khondkar, filed a murder case at Laksam Police Station against unidentified individuals.

The complaint prompted an intensive investigation led by local police, with support from district-level law enforcement authorities.

Use of CCTV Footage and Digital Tracking

Police, under the direction of Cumilla Superintendent of Police Md Anisuzzaman, launched a technology-driven investigation to trace the suspect.

Investigators analysed CCTV footage from multiple locations, including Pomgaon Bazar and surrounding routes leading to the crime scene. The review of surveillance recordings helped police track the movement of the autorickshaw and identify the suspect.

Authorities also used mobile tracking data and route analysis to narrow down the suspect’s location.

Arrest in Ashulia After Nationwide Search

Acting on intelligence, a special police team led by Sub-Inspector Mongchay Marma conducted a raid on Saturday (28 March) in the Dhendabor area under Ashulia police station in Dhaka district, where Habibur Rahman Sabuj was arrested.

Police confirmed that the suspect had been attempting to remain in hiding after the incident but was ultimately located and detained through coordinated field operations.

Case Summary

Investigation Ongoing

Police have stated that further interrogation of the arrested suspect is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the killing, including possible motives and whether additional individuals were involved.

Authorities have assured that all aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined, including the suspect’s movements before and after the crime.

The incident has deeply disturbed the local community in Laksam, particularly due to the calculated manner in which the victim was allegedly lured and killed during what initially appeared to be a routine hired trip.