Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 3rd March 2026, 2:27 PM
Police in Chattogram have arrested the main suspect in the brutal killing of a young girl, Ira, whose throat was slit within the premises of Sitakunda Botanical Garden and Ecopark. The suspect has been identified as Babu Sheikh, according to law enforcement officials.
Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Russel confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, 3 March.
The child had succumbed to her injuries earlier that same day in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Chattogram Medical College (CMCH). She had been rescued on Sunday, 1 March, from a remote hilly area inside the Ecopark in Sitakunda municipality. Initially admitted to Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex, she was later transferred to CMCH for advanced medical treatment.
| Date | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 March | Rescue & Initial Treatment | Child recovered from hilly area; admitted to Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex |
| 2 March | Surgery & Crisis Centre Transfer | Underwent throat surgery; condition deteriorated at One-Stop Crisis Centre (OCC) |
| 2 March | ENT Ward Transfer | Moved to Ear, Nose & Throat ward for specialised care |
| 3 March | Death | Passed away in CMCH ICU early morning |
According to relatives, the child’s condition appeared stable as late as 9:30 pm on Monday. Her uncle, Aziz, recounted that she had been able to communicate through gestures and interact with family members. However, her discomfort escalated between 2 am and 3 am, with requests for water and food, which could not be provided due to medical restrictions.
Doctors and guardians have stated that the child had suffered severe internal injuries. The extent of trauma indicated that she had been sexually assaulted. Additionally, multiple cut marks were found on her body, particularly on her thighs.
Family members claim that prior to her death, Ira attempted to convey information through gestures, possibly identifying the perpetrator, although the details were unclear.
The child was first discovered by workers engaged in road construction near Chandranath Mandir and subsequently received urgent medical attention.
Following the incident, her mother filed a formal complaint at Sitakunda Police Station on the night of 1 March. Sitakunda Police Chief, OC Mohinul Islam, confirmed that the initial case filed for abduction and attempted murder has now been upgraded to a full-fledged murder investigation.
Authorities continue to investigate, seeking to bring all responsible parties to justice in what has shaken the community and sparked widespread public outrage.
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