Fugitive convict in Gopal Krishna Muhuri murder case arrested after 20 years

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab-7) arrested a fugitive convict in a case over the murder of Gopal Krishna Muhuri, principal of Nazirhat College, from Panchalaish area of the port city on Saturday night.

The arrestee -- Mohiuddin (40) of Hathazari upazila of Chattogram -- remained absconding for 20 years to avoid life imprisonment, said a press release of the elite force.

Acting on a tip-off, a team of Rab arrested Mohiuddin from Panchlaish area of the port city, said Mahfujur Rahman, Hathazari camp commander of Rab-7, adding that police sent Mohiuddin to the central jail in Chattogram after producing him before a court this afternoon, he added.

According to the case statement, Gopal Krishna Muhuri was shot dead by armed miscreants at his residence on Jamal Khan Road in the port city on November 16, 2001.

Victim's wife Uma Muhuri filed the case the next day and the Detective Branch of police submitted the charge sheet in the case before the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court on November 14, 2002.

On February 6, 2003, a speedy trial tribunal in Chittagong announced the death sentence of four convicts while life imprisonment and Tk 50 thousand fine for four others including Mohiuddin, and acquitted another four persons who were accused in the case.

Among the four who were sentenced to death, Gittu Nachir died in a "crossfire" with Rapid Action Battalion in 2005.

In July 2006, the High Court upheld the verdict of the speedy trial tribunal for the three other convicts sentenced to death.