Police have arrested three men in connection with the horrific murder of 73-year-old Jahanara Begum, who was hacked to death whilst praying at her home in Madhabdi, Narsingdi. Authorities revealed that the motive behind the fatal assault was the theft of a gold necklace worn by the victim.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Md Ashikur Rahman disclosed details of the investigation during a press conference held at Madhabdi Police Station on Thursday afternoon, 17 September.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Hridoy Miah, 27, son of the late Harun Miah; Kadir Miah, 27, son of Chhayed; and Abu Miah, 29, son of Akman Miah. All three individuals reside in Swarnanigor village within the Meherpara Union of Madhabdi upazila.
According to police reports, the murder took place on the evening of 30 July in Swarnanigor village. Jahanara Begum was performing her Maghrib prayers on the verandah of her residence when assailants attacked her with sharp weapons. Following the murder, the victim’s son, Mohammad Ismail Miah, filed a murder case at Madhabdi Police Station.
The Detective Branch (DB) of district police, alongside local officers, initiated an immediate inquiry using information technology and intelligence gathering to identify the culprits. Subsequent police raids led to the arrest of Hridoy Miah on 9 August, Kadir Miah on 30 August, and Abu Miah on 16 September. All three suspects have been remanded in judicial custody by the court.
Confession statements provided by the suspects revealed that the plan to steal the gold chain was hatched seven to eight months prior during a gathering at a local madrasa. Taking advantage of a power outage on the evening of 30 July, the intruders entered the premises while the victim was engaged in prayer.
However, electricity was suddenly restored during the robbery, allowing Jahanara Begum to recognise the intruders. When she resisted, the attackers struck her repeatedly on the head and back with sharp weapons before fleeing with the gold necklace.
Additional SP Ashikur Rahman confirmed that law enforcement drives remain ongoing to recover the stolen chain and apprehend any remaining accomplices. Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Sajib Shahrin and Officer-in-Charge of Madhabdi Police Station Md Kamal Hossain were also present at the press briefing.
