Trial of Muhuri murder case underway

Trial of principal Gopal Krishna Muhuri murder case began at the Speedy Trial Tribunal here yesterday.

Judge Mohammad Hasan Imam took the case into cognisance for trial of the accused under Section 302/120 (Kha) 34 of the Penal Code and fixed January 4 (Saturday) for hearing charges.

The judge ordered police to produce the four arrested convicts, now in jail, before the tribunal during tomorrow's hearing.

He also ordered arrest of the absconding accused.

Gopal Krishna Muhuri, principal of Nazirhat College under Hathazari than and a freedom fighter, was killed by terrorists at his Jamal Khan residence in the city on November 16 last year. The killing sparked widespread resentment in different circles.

The Detective Branch (DB) of police submitted chargesheet of the case to the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's court, Chittagong on November 14 last year.

In the chargesheet, five cadres of Islami Chhatra Shibir, student wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, were accused as the main 'killer group'. They are Gittu Nasir, Taslimuddin Montu, Baittya Alamgir, Azam and Chhota Saiful.

Seven others including Nasir alias Shibir Nasir, a "top" Shibir cadre and an accused in 35 cases, his brother Mohiuddin, alleged notorious terrorist Habib Khan, accountant Md Shahjahan and three teachers of Nazirhat College --Tofazzal Hossain, Md Idris, Jahurul Haq -- were charged as the 'mastermind' behind the murder.

Of the 12, only four -- Shibir Nasir, Baittya Alamgir, Chhota Saiful and Montu -- are now in jail and the three teachers are on bail. The rest are absconding.

The investigation officer (IO) of the sensational murder case was changed thrice. After filing of a case with Kotwali thana its OC Ruhul Amin Siddiquee was made the IO. Later, the case was handed over to DB and Inspector Mainuddin was made the IO.

A few days later, DB Inspector Fariduddin Ahmad was made the IO and finally, Sirajul Islam was given the charge of investigation.

Sources said principal Muhuri was killed as per a plan because the killers wanted to remove him and see their 'favourable' person in the position. Besides, financial matters and establishing supremacy in the college were also behind the killing, they said.

On November 14 in the morning, Gittu Nasir, Montu and Baittya Alamgir entered the residence of Muhuri while Chhota Saiful and Azam were waiting in a taxi on Jamal Khan Road. Gittu Nasir fired point blank on the head of Muhuri from his AK-47 rifle, killing the respected educationist on the spot.

Sources said, the arrest of Montu on July 3 last year along with an AK-56 rifle and his confessional statement under Section 164 provided important clues to the murder.

A total of 25 witnesses were cross-examined during investigation of the murder.