Muradnagar triple murder suspect and alleged mastermind, Union Parishad chairman Shimul Billal, remains at large 10 days after the horrific killings. While eight accused have been arrested, questions loom over the delayed arrest of the chairman, sparking outrage among the victims’ families and locals.
and son Russel Mia — were brutally beaten and hacked to death in Koribari village under Muradnagar, Cumilla, reportedly over allegations of mobile theft and drug dealing. Two others, Ruby’s daughters Rikta and Ruma, narrowly survived the attack, though Ruma is now undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Speaking over the phone from Dhaka, Rikta said, “We’re living in constant fear. The killers have openly declared they’re ready to spend up to Tk 5–10 crore to kill me and my sister. We can’t sleep at night, and every stranger we see feels like one of them.”
On July 4, Rikta filed a case with Bangra Bazar Police Station naming 38 individuals including UP chairman Shimul Billal, and 20–25 unnamed others. The case is being investigated by the District Detective Branch (DB). So far, nine people have been arrested, including Sobir Ahmed, Nazim Uddin Babul, UP member Bacchu Mia, Robiul Awal, Dulal, Atikur Rahman, “Boyez Master”, Akash, and more recently, Alomgir.
The arrestees were remanded for three days and later presented before Judge Mominul Haque, who sent them to jail. However, court inspector Sadikur Rahman confirmed that none of them confessed to the crime during interrogation.
Rikta further alleged, “Since the incident, police have locked our house gates, saying it’s for our security. Neighbors come to see our home, but we’re not allowed inside. There were people from other villages involved in the attack whom I couldn’t recognize. If Shimul chairman is arrested, the rest will be exposed.”
Bangra Bazar Police OC Mahfuzur Rahman said police remain deployed in the area and are ensuring the family’s safety. “We’re monitoring the situation closely,” he added.
District DB OC Abdullah stated that information gathered from the detained suspects is under review, and efforts to arrest the remaining accused, especially UP chairman Shimul, are ongoing.
The victims’ families continue to live in fear, anxiously waiting for justice in the Muradnagar triple murder case.
