A total of 13 individuals have been identified in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif in Chattogram. Among them, 7 suspects have been arrested based on CCTV footage. The arrested individuals are Rumit Das, Sumit Das, Nayan Das, Gagan Das, Bishal Das, Aman Das, and Sonu Methor.
Others identified in the footage include Bikash Das (1), Arjun Das, Bikash Das (2), Shubho Kanti Das (a fourth-semester law student at BGC Trust University), Krishna Das (an employee of Government Haji Mohammad Mohsin College), and Bunja Methor. Police have identified Bikash Das (1) and Bunja Methor as the masterminds behind the murder.
The CCTV footage reveals two individuals attacking lawyer Alif. One, dressed in an orange T-shirt, black pants, and a silver helmet, wielded a machete; the other, wearing a blue T-shirt, jeans, and a red helmet, held a cleaver. Police have identified them as Bikash Das and Bunja Methor, respectively. Efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.
Police Investigations and Community Response
An officer involved in the investigation stated that Bikash and Bunja were seen holding sharp weapons. Additionally, Jagannath Das, a leader of the Harijan community, and his three sons were allegedly involved in the incident. However, Jagannath denied the allegations, claiming his sons were merely onlookers.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Rois Uddin confirmed the arrests and stated that the suspects would be charged in the murder case. Efforts are underway to apprehend others involved.
Related Incidents and Security Concerns
The murder occurred amid violent clashes in Chattogram following the court’s rejection of bail for Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a former ISKCON leader arrested on sedition charges. Police registered three cases related to these clashes, accusing 76 named and 1,400 unidentified individuals. A total of 27 people have been arrested in connection with these cases.
Local residents and political parties criticized the security arrangements at the court premises, questioning how Chinmoy’s followers managed to gather in large numbers. In response, CMP transferred Deputy Commissioner Liakat Ali to another department, replacing him with Shakila Sultana.
Details of the Murder
The incident occurred near the Niloy Swajan building on A.C. Dutta Lane, adjacent to the Rangam Convention Hall. Eyewitnesses reported that Alif, who walked with a limp, fell during the chaos and was fatally attacked by a group armed with machetes and cleavers. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was declared dead on arrival.
The investigation continues as police work to bring all perpetrators to justice.
