Rajshahi murder case: Family claims betel leaf seller deliberately framed

The family of betel leaf seller Hanif Ali has protested his inclusion as an accused in a case filed over the killing of grocery shopkeeper Bariul Islam in a clash in the Dingadoba area of Rajshahi city. They claimed Hanif has no involvement in the killing and was deliberately implicated in the case over a long-standing land dispute. The family also demanded his immediate release.

The family members made these allegations at a press conference held at Hanif's betel leaf shop in the Bhatapara Pathar Mor area of the city around 11:30am on Tuesday, September 29. They said Hanif learned about the clash and killing from his wife on the morning after the incident. Even after that, he continued running his shop normally. The family claimed there is no possibility or evidence of his involvement in the killing.

According to the family, a clash broke out between people from the Chandipur area and locals over giving change and drug dealings in the Bakir Mor area of Dingadoba around 12:45am last Saturday. Grocery shopkeeper Bariul Islam was killed at that time. In the incident, his wife filed a case the next day, naming 20 people, with 20 to 30 unidentified others also made accused. Hanif Ali's name is at number 11 on the list, and his younger brother Rabiul Islam's name is at number 12.

The family said members of law enforcement agencies picked up Hanif from the Bhatapara Pathar Mor area on Monday evening. Later, his relatives went to the police station to inquire about the matter. Speaking at the press conference, Hanif's father, Jamaluddin, said his son runs a betel leaf shop to support the family. He has no connection to the killing. He said there has been a long-standing land dispute with a certain side, and there have been cases over it since 2000. The family believes Hanif and Rabiul were made accused in the murder case due to that dispute.

Hanif's wife, Dulali, said her husband leads a very simple life and has no dispute with anyone. He was at his shop on the day of the incident as well. He was taken away from there in the evening. In her words, Hanif did not even try to flee. She said the real facts about her husband can be known by asking the neighbouring shopkeepers.

Local shopkeeper Sohel Rana and resident Meraj also described Hanif as a calm person. They claimed Hanif ran his shop regularly even after the incident, and his shop was open. They said questions have also arisen among locals about making him an accused in the murder case in such a situation.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have arrested Md Israel, accused number 7 in the case, alongside Hanif Ali. Earlier, police arrested another person named Chandra. The information was conveyed in a press release sent on Tuesday morning. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Rajpara Police Station of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police, Abul Kalam Azad, said law enforcement agencies have so far arrested two people and police one in the case. All of them are accused named in the First Information Report.