Investigators scrutinising potential involvement of a ‘third individual’

Tragedy struck a residential building in the capital’s Pallabi area on Tuesday (19 May) when Sohel Rana, a neighbour living in the adjacent apartment, lured, assaulted, and murdered Ramisa Akhter, a second-grade student.

Sohel, an alleged drug addict, attempted to dismember the child’s body to conceal the crime by decapitating the victim and severing both arms from the shoulders.

On Wednesday, the prime suspect, Sohel Rana, confessed to the gruesome murder in court. His wife, Swapna Akhter, who also allegedly participated in the crime sent to prison by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court.

Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced implicating a third individual alongside Sohel and his wife. Investigators are currently verifying whether Sohel fabricated this detail to mislead the probe. Sources said that while Sohel confessed to his guilt, he also claimed a 'third person's presence during the crime.

However, he failed to provide specific details regarding this 'third individual' and investigators are actively scrutinising about the third suspect, though they remain skeptical that the claim might just be a tactic to derail the investigation, sources said.

Police sources said that Sohel lured Ramisa into his apartment to satisfy his depraved desires and they resided in a neighbouring apartment in the same flat. Ramisa’s family resided the south flat on the third floor of a five-story building in Block B, Section 11, Pallabi, while the suspect’s family inhabited the north flat. Ramisa's parents ultimately deduced her location when they spotted her shoes discarded outside Sohel's door during their frantic search with other residents of the flat.

The eight-year-old victim studied in the second grade at Popular Model High School. When she stepped out of her home around 9:30 am on 19 May, Sohel intercepted and coerced her into his apartment. He then dragged her into the bathroom and assaulted her. His wife, Swapna, remained inside the apartment throughout the ordeal.

Following the assault, Sohel murdered Ramisa and severed her head, mutilated her body to hide the corpse. He concealed the torso beneath his bedroom bed while hid the head inside a large bucket. He also attempted to hack off both arms at the shoulders but failed to detach them completely.

When Ramisa's family arrived at the apartment during their search, Sohel escaped by cutting through the window grilles and his wife, Swapna, allegedly opened the door after his husband's escape. 

Upon entering into the accused flat, they discovered Ramisa’s mutilated remains.

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Police apprehended Swapna at the scene, and later traced and arrested Sohel Rana from Fatullah Police Station area in Narayanganj district. The victim's father, Hannan Mollah, filed a formal case against Sohel and Swapna at the Pallabi Police Station.

Commenting on the case, Sub-Inspector Ohiduzzaman, the investigating officer, stated, "The investigation progresses. We cannot disclose specific details until the probe concludes. However, we have strict directions to expedite the investigation."

However, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has instructed the Commissioner of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) to submit an investigation report within one week over the brutal rape and murder of a seven-year-old girl in the capital’s Pallabi area.