Shammo murder: Home of accused set on fire in Madaripur

The ancestral home of one of the suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Dhaka University (DU) student and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader SM Shahriar Alam Shammo was set on fire in Madaripur on Wednesday night.

The incident occurred at the residence of Md Tamim Hawlader, 30, located in Brahmandi village under Jhaudi Union in Madaripur Sadar Upazila. The fire damaged the main house, the kitchen, and two adjoining rooms. Firefighters responded promptly and brought the blaze under control, though significant damage had already been done.

The cause of the fire and the identities of those responsible have yet to be confirmed.

According to police and local sources, all three individuals arrested in the case are from Madaripur. Tamim and Palash Sardar, also 30, are both from Brahmandi village, while the third suspect, Samrat Mallik, 28, is from Shashikar village in Nabagram Union under Dasar Upazila.

Local residents allege that the trio had a history of involvement in criminal activities in the area. Tamim and Palash were frequently seen associating with influential political figures and were reportedly involved in extortion and other illicit activities. Samrat is alleged to have been a drug addict. Although none of them held formal political positions, locals claim they operated under political protection.

The three suspects reportedly left for Dhaka following a shift in the political landscape on August 5 and had not returned to their villages until their recent arrests in connection with Shammo’s murder.

Tensions flared in the community after news of their arrests spread. On Wednesday evening, a fire broke out at Tamim’s family home.

Speaking to reporters, several residents who requested anonymity alleged, “All three were involved in drugs, extortion, and acted as muscle for local political figures.”

Madaripur Additional Superintendent of Police Chatak Chakma confirmed that police visited the scene and that an investigation is underway. “Appropriate action will be taken following a thorough inquiry,” he said.