Killed in Broad Daylight: Murder case filed against Cumilla ward councillor

A murder case was filed over Friday's lynching of Akter Hossain in Cumilla, accusing 10 people including the city's ward-23 councillor Alamgir Hossain and his five brothers.

Rekha Begum, wife of the victim, filed the case with Cumilla Sadar South Police Station that night. 

Komol Chandra Paul, investigation officer of the case, said, "We arrested Amir, Jahangir and Billal -- three brothers of Alamgir -- on Friday. The councillor is absconding. Police have been deployed to keep situation in the area under control."

Akter, a local businessmen, was killed outside Changini Dakkhin para mosque after Juma prayers .

The victim's younger brother, and local Jubo League leader Alal Hossain said, "Cumilla city unit Jubo League joint convener and ward councillor Alamgir and his gang members attacked following an altercation centring a kite flying festival, that was scheduled to be inaugurate by convener of Jubo League of Cumilla city unit. When Akter came to my help, he was attacked with sticks and rods."

Alal added, " Though Alamgir managed to confirm a top post at Jubo league city unit, he was not involved in local politics. He comes from a locally influencial family."

Talking to this correspondent, several people in the area raised allegations of land-grabbing and extortion against Alamgir and his family members.

Neither the absconding councillor nor any of his family members could be reached for comments.

Contacted, Abdullah Al Mahmud, convener of city unit Jubo League, said the incident was not necessarily political. Asked if any action will be taken against Alamgir, he said, "It is not in my jurisdiction. The central committee [of Jubo League] will decide that."