12-year-old girl 'poisoned' to death

A seventh grader was poisoned to death allegedly by a stalker at Fazilpur village in Jhenidah. Rima alias Ripna Khatun, 12, daughter of Ripon Hossain, was a student of Asannagar-Kullagacha Secondary School.

Nazmul Hossain, 18, son of Alam Hossain of Mirzapur village, used to harass her, said Shukur Ali, Rima's grandfather. “We have complained to the school's headmaster couple of times but to no avail. Nazmul even threatened her with death.”

On Wednesday night, Nazmul harassed her again while she was going to a neighbour's house. An altercation ensued between the families of Rima and Nazmul the next afternoon regarding this at Rima's house.

During the dispute, Nazmul and his associates entered the house and forcibly poured poison in her mouth, alleged Shukur Ali.

Rima was taken to Kotchandpur Health Complex. She was then referred to Jessore 250-bed Hospital where she died early yesterday.

“Rima's family members informed us about the matter twice. Before we could do anything the incident occurred. The culprit should be hanged,” said headmaster Nazmur Rahman.

OC Biplob Kumar Saha of Kotchandpur Police Station said a murder case has been filed accusing five persons on Friday. Of them, Nazmul's aunt Reshma Khatun and his close aide Sumon Hossain, 21, have been arrested the same night.  

“We are trying to arrest Nazmul, who is on the run,” he said.