The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested a suspect linked to the murder of seven individuals aboard the cargo vessel MV Al Bakhera in the Meghna River in Chandpur’s Haimchar upazila.

RAB-11 confirmed the arrest of Akash Mondol, also known as Irfan, in the Chitalmari upazila of Bagerhat. 

The law enforcement agency announced that further details regarding the investigation would be disclosed during a press briefing at noon on Wednesday.

The vessel’s owner, Mahabub Morshed, filed a case at Haimchar Police Station on Tuesday night, accusing "unidentified robbers" of the heinous crime. 

He specifically identified Irfan as the ninth person aboard, based on handwritten information provided by Jewel, an injured crew member who survived the attack. Jewel has indicated through gestures that he could recognize the perpetrators if presented with them.

According to the case documents, seven crew members were killed, and one was injured during the attack. 

The deceased were identified as master Golam Kibria, greaser Sajibul Islam, lascar Majedul Islam, Sheikh Sabuj, Aminur Munshi, engine driver Salauddin, and cook Rana Kazi. The injured crew member, sukani Jewel, 28, is a resident of Faridpur Sadar upazila.

During a thorough inspection of the vessel, authorities recovered several items, including a bloodstained Chinese axe, a folding knife, two smartphones, two feature phones, a wallet containing Tk8,000 in cash, a notebook, a seal, a headphone, a handful of rice, and a tablespoon with curry. These items are expected to aid in the ongoing investigation.

Jewel is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital under tight security, according to the River Police.

The bodies of the seven victims were handed over to their families on Tuesday afternoon by Deputy Commissioner Mohsin Uddin and River Police Superintendent Syed Moshfiqur Rahman. 

BDST: 1314 HRS, DEC 25, 2023
SMS