Bodies of Selim Khan, son Shanto to be exhumed for autopsy

The bodies of former Lakshmipur Model Union Parishad chairman Selim Khan and his actor son Shanto Khan, who were killed by a mob in Chandpur on August 5, 2024, will be exhumed for autopsies following a court order.

Chandpur Sadar Model Police Station OC Foyez Ahmed confirmed the development on Tuesday (September 22), saying the district administration has approved a police request for an executive magistrate to oversee the exhumation.

However, the date has yet to be fixed.

Selim and Shanto were killed while trying to leave the area on the day the Awami League government fell. Police said they were stopped by an angry crowd at Bagara Bazar after their vehicle was intercepted.

Their bodies were later recovered and taken to Chandpur Government General Hospital.

They were buried at their family cemetery in Lakshmipur village without autopsies because of the prevailing situation at the time.

Foyez Ahmed said police later filed a case over the deaths after the situation normalised, with the court subsequently ordering the exhumation and autopsies.

Sub-Inspector Chand Mia of the New Bazar Police Outpost is investigating the case.

Selim Khan was chairman of Lakshmipur Model Union Parishad and president of the local Awami League unit. He was also associated with film production company Shapla Media, while his son Shanto was a film actor. Both were reported killed on August 5, 2024.

Selim had faced allegations of illegal sand extraction from the Padma-Meghna rivers and other irregularities. The Anti-Corruption Commission had also filed cases against him over alleged illicit assets.