Businessman Khokon Chandra Murder: Three Arrested, Confess

Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has claimed that three men arrested in connection with the brutal murder of businessman Khokon Chandra Das have confessed to their involvement in the crime. The announcement was made on Sunday evening during a press briefing held at the RAB-8 camp in Madaripur by its commanding officer, Commander Shahadat Hossain.

According to RAB officials, the suspects were apprehended using a combination of intelligence-led operations and information technology tracking. The arrests took place at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday in the Bajitpur area of Kishoreganj district. The detainees were later transported to the RAB-8 headquarters in Madaripur for interrogation.

The three accused have been identified as Sohag Khan (28), Rabbi Mollaya (24), and Palash Sardar (25), all residents of Kaneshwar village under Damudya Upazila in Shariatpur. During preliminary questioning, RAB claims that all three admitted their direct involvement in the killing of Khokon Chandra Das.

RAB officials stated that the crime occurred on the night of 31 December at around 9:00 p.m. Khokon Chandra Das, a local businessman, was returning home in a CNG-powered auto-rickshaw after collecting money from his business. He got down near the Tiloi Bepari Bari Mosque, close to his residence. As he proceeded on foot, the suspects—who had allegedly been waiting nearby—confronted him.

According to the confession cited by RAB, the attackers threatened Khokon with locally made weapons and knives, forcibly snatched the bag containing cash, and then repeatedly stabbed him, causing severe injuries. When Khokon reportedly recognised his assailants, the attackers allegedly poured petrol over his body and set him on fire with the apparent intent to kill and destroy evidence.

Following the attack, local residents rushed to the scene and transported Khokon to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. He was later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and subsequently admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Despite intensive treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday morning.

Initially, a case was filed at Damudya Police Station on charges of robbery and attempted murder by Khokon’s father, Paresh Chandra Das. After Khokon’s death, the case was formally converted into a murder case. RAB stated that the suspects went into hiding immediately after the incident, prompting a shadow investigation. With assistance from RAB-14, all three named suspects were eventually located and arrested.

Before his death, Khokon reportedly identified Sohag Khan and Rabbi Mollaya as his attackers. Police later confirmed the involvement of Palash Sardar during their investigation. All three have been formally named in the case, and further legal proceedings are underway.

Case Details at a Glance

Law enforcement authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing and that anyone else found to be connected with the crime will be brought to justice under the law.