Turf war, extortion behind Kafrul Jubo Dal activist murder: Probe

Turf wars, extortion, control over local businesses and the struggle for dominance have emerged as the primary motives behind the killing of Jubo Dal activist Yusuf Ali Parvez in the capital's Kafrul, according to preliminary investigation findings.

Seven people have so far been arrested by Kafrul police station and the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) in connection with the murder. Investigators believe the killing was premeditated, alleging that hired gunmen were brought to Dhaka from Jhenaidah and Magura several days before the incident to monitor the victim before carrying out the attack.

Police said the victim's elder brother, Masud Rana, filed a murder case with Kafrul police station on Saturday, naming four accused, including arrested suspect Chanchal Molla, along with four to five unidentified individuals.

Investigators are collecting evidence and conducting raids to identify and arrest the remaining suspects.

According to investigators, Chanchal Molla, who was detained by local residents immediately after the shooting and later handed over to police, had travelled to Dhaka from Jhenaidah. During preliminary interrogation, he allegedly provided several important leads, which investigators are now verifying through witness statements and other evidence.  Police said information obtained from the suspect is being used to identify those who planned the killing, establish the motive and trace others involved.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the murder stemmed from disputes over territorial control, extortion, business interests and local influence.

Investigators believe the rivalry intensified after 5 August 2024, when local Jubo Dal leader Hafizul Islam Babu allegedly became influential in the area. He is accused of taking control of businesses, land and cable television operations allegedly abandoned by leaders and activists of the activity-banned Awami League, leading to internal conflicts within his own political camp.

Police suspect these disputes may have contributed to the killing.

Following Friday's shooting, local residents caught alleged gunman Chanchal Molla and handed him over to police. On Saturday, DB and Kafrul police conducted separate drives and arrested another alleged shooter, Ziarul Haque Molla, along with five alleged accomplices.

The other arrested suspects were identified as Nahid Hasan alias Mehedi Hasan, Safin Shoiyal alias Safin Ahmed, Ali Hossain, Zihad Mollah and Masum Billah.

Investigators alleged that Nahid collected the pistol from another individual and supplied it to the shooter, while Safin and Ali assisted with reconnaissance and logistical support before the attack.

Police believe the shooters had been hired specifically to carry out the murder. Preliminary investigations found that several of the arrested suspects are residents of Jhenaidah and Magura.

Police identified Chanchal Molla as the son of Atiar Molla of Raripara village in Kaliganj upazila of Jhenaidah. Another suspect, Zihad Mollah, is the son of the late Rowshan Ali Molla of Damodarpur village in the same upazila. Ziarul Haque Molla is the son of Anwar Patowary of Arpara village in Shalikha upazila of Magura. Another accused has been identified only as Hasan.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mirpur Division) Md Mostak Sarker said a murder case had been filed over the Kafrul shooting and the investigation was continuing.

"One of the accused, Chanchal, has been arrested. He came from Jhenaidah. Further details are expected after interrogation. Multiple law enforcement agencies are working on the case," he said. The police official said several of the arrested suspects had admitted travelling to Dhaka to carry out the killing.

"They are from Jhenaidah and Magura. We have identified several individuals in connection with the incident. The investigation is progressing, and anyone found involved will be brought to justice," he added.