College student killed for protesting stalking

It has been six days, police are yet to arrest the prime accused in a case filed over the murder of a college student, who protested stalking of a friend, on Tuesday.

The deceased is Maruf Khan, son of Ataur Rahman Khan of Savar's Genda area. He passed HSC exams from Dhaka Commerce College this year.

Around 6:00pm on the day, some 10 to 12 stalkers led by one Manju, son of Ramiz Uddin of Talbag area, stabbed Maruf, 18, with a knife in Genda Bus Stand area, said police quoting family members.

Earlier in the day, the girl was heading home from her friend's house. When she reached the area, the group started harassing her. As she informed Maruf, he went to the spot and protested the incident.

Soon a scuffle ensued. Maruf's elder brother also came to the spot. At one stage, Maruf got stabbed, said his brother and witnesses. The group then fled the scene.

Maruf was taken to Savar Enam Medical College Hospital. The doctors there referred him to Dhaka's Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital. He died on the way.

His brother Lutfar Rahman Khan filed a murder case with Savar Model Police Station on Wednesday accusing Manju, Shamol, Plabon, Rohij, Shamim, Imran, Momin and three unnamed persons. All the accused are aged between 20 and 25.

“We demand justice for my brother,” said Lutfar.

The case's Investigation Officer Apurbo Das, a sub-inspector of the police station, said, “We have detained one Asadul in this connection. We are trying to arrest the rest, who are on the run.” The IO said they have also collected footage of CCTV installed in the area.

Meanwhile, many locals alleged that the group led by Manju used to extort people using political influence. They used to claim themselves as activists of Chhatra League and Tarun League.

A BCL activist of Savar municipality alleged that Manju often introduced himself as a former BCL leader and using the “fake identity” collected extortion money from drivers in the area.

Saidur Rahman, president of BCL (Dhaka north), said, “Manju is not a BCL activist. At times, the group used to come to our events. I'm not aware of his activities.”

Meanwhile, Altaf Hossen Khaja, convener of Dhaka district Tarun League, said, “Manju was a president candidate of Tarun League. But we had decided not to consider him as one due to his behaviour.”

This correspondent visited Manju's residence in Talbag area on Saturday. The one-storied house was found locked from outside.