DNA collection ordered for two more ex-army personnel in Tonu murder case

A new development has emerged in the investigation into the murder of Sohagi Jahan Tonu, a student of Cumilla Victoria Government College and theatre activist. A court has ordered the collection of DNA samples from two more former army personnel suspected in the case.

The matter was confirmed on Tuesday (July 21) by the investigating officer, Md Tariqul Islam, Inspector of the Police Bureau of Investigation's (PBI) Dhaka district. He said on July 17, Cumilla's Senior Judicial Magistrate (Court No 1) Muminul Haque granted permission to collect DNA samples from two suspects—former army personnel Jahidul Islam and Faisal Ahmed Rabbi—following the investigation agency's application.

The investigating officer said the application was made in the interest of the case. The court granted the application and ordered the DNA collection. Earlier, DNA samples had also been collected from the main suspects—retired Sergeant Jahiduzzaman, Warrant Officer Hafizur Rahman and former soldier Shahinul Alam.

PBI sources said Jahidul Islam is the son of Solaiman Hossain from Meghai village in Sirajganj district, while Faisal Ahmed Rabbi is the son of M A Hannan from Rajapara Lakshinagar area in Cumilla.

Meanwhile, the court has also ordered the issuance of Red Notices through Interpol against main suspects retired Sergeant Jahiduzzaman and former army personnel Shahin Alam. Investigation sources said information has been received that Shahin Alam is currently in Kuwait. However, Jahiduzzaman's current whereabouts have not yet been confirmed.

The only person currently arrested in the case, former Warrant Officer Hafizur Rahman, is in Cumilla Central Jail.

It may be noted that Sohagi Jahan Tonu went missing on the evening of March 20, 2016, after going to a house inside Cumilla Cantonment for tuition. Her body was later recovered from bushes near the cantonment's power house. Tonu's family and various social and cultural organisations have long been demanding justice and the unravelling of the mystery behind this high-profile murder.