Prime suspect in Mitford murder detained in Patuakhali

Detectives have arrested the prime suspect in the brutal murder of scrap vendor Lalchand, also known as Md Sohag, who was killed in front of Sir Salimullah Medical College (Mitford) Hospital in Old Dhaka on July 9.

A team from the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police apprehended the suspect on Tuesday night in the Itbaria area of Patuakhali, confirmed Additional Superintendent of Patuakhali Police Sajedul Islam on Wednesday morning.

The accused is Md. Rizwan Uddin Ovi. "DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali shared this information at a press conference held at the DMP Media Center on Wednesday."

“He was tracked to a residence in Itbaria and taken into custody,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

Investigators reportedly recognized the suspect from CCTV footage that captured him hurling a concrete boulder at Sohag during the attack. Authorities are withholding his identity to prevent tipping off other suspects still at large.

This latest arrest brings the total number of suspects detained in connection with the murder to nine.

On July 14, members of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) arrested another suspect, Md Nannu Kazi, 33, from the Bandar area in Narayanganj.

Sohag was murdered in broad daylight outside Gate 3 of Mitford Hospital, a shocking act of violence witnessed by bystanders. Attackers were seen repeatedly striking him with a concrete boulder, with graphic footage of the incident quickly spreading on social media and sparking nationwide outrage.

University students, political parties, and civil society groups staged protests, demanding swift justice and the arrest of all involved.

In response to allegations of political involvement, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has expelled five leaders from its affiliated Jubo Dal, Swechhasebak Dal, and Chhatra Dal wings for their suspected roles in the killing.

Sohag’s sister filed a murder case the day after the incident. Police have also filed a separate case under the Arms Act.