The victim’s body was recovered on Wednesday from a bushy area near Bakhorkandi. Shampa had married Md. Shahabuddin Howlader of Boro Meher three years ago, with whom she had a one-year-old son, Abir. Following the discovery, Shampa’s father, Chhamrul Islam, travelled from Lalpur in Natore to file a formal murder complaint at Shibchar Police Station.

According to police sources, Shampa met Farooq, son of Ratan Molla from Bakhorkandi, at Madaripur Court whilst her husband was incarcerated in connection with a legal case. The acquaintance developed into a relationship. Investigators revealed that Farooq lured Shampa to his home in Bakhorkandi on Wednesday, where he sexually assaulted and murdered her before concealing her body in nearby undergrowth. To eliminate witnesses, Farooq strangled infant Abir and threw his body into the Arial Khan River from an overhead bridge.

Under the direction of Madaripur Superintendent of Police Md. Habibur Rahman, a team led by Assistant Superintendent of Police Md. Salah Uddin Quader tracked and arrested Farooq in Rajoir. Upon searching Farooq’s residence in Shibchar, officers recovered Shampa’s gold nose pin and silver chain. Investigators also seized her burnt scarf and a pair of shoes, which Farooq had attempted to destroy in a stove.

During preliminary interrogation, Farooq confessed to the sexual assault, murder, and the disposal of the infant in the river. Search operations initiated by divers to recover the child’s body were temporarily suspended on Friday afternoon due to treacherous river currents. Assistant Superintendent Quader confirmed that although this was initially a clueless murder case, law enforcement swiftly identified and apprehended the suspect using digital intelligence. Authorities noted that Farooq had previously been arrested in Shibchar on vehicle theft charges, and investigations remain ongoing to ascertain if accomplices were involved.