Sohag killed over illegal electricity wire dispute: DMP

A violent dispute over the control of illegal electricity wire business in the rural electrification sector has ended in tragedy, with scrap dealer Lal Chand, also known as Sohag (39), brutally murdered in front of Mitford Hospital (Sir Salimullah Medical College) in Old Dhaka.

According to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the killing was rooted in ongoing conflicts between rival groups involved in the illegal wire trade. The victim and the accused were known to each other prior to the incident. Police have arrested nine individuals in connection with the murder, including two who were caught throwing stones at Lal Chand.

DMP Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali, speaking at a press conference at the DMP Media Center on Wednesday, confirmed that police responded swiftly to emergency calls and arrived at the scene within minutes. Upon arrival, the accused were found attempting to incite a mob, chanting slogans such as “No place for extortionists, no fear for businessmen.” Two suspects, Mohin and Robin, were arrested immediately, while analysis of CCTV footage led to the arrest of seven more individuals.

Addressing questions regarding any political affiliations of the suspects, Commissioner Sajjat Ali stated that although any citizen may have a political identity, there was no political connection to this murder.

DMP Additional Commissioner (Crime and Operations) Nazrul Islam explained that the murder resulted from a personal business rivalry. “Lal Chand was engaged in the illegal electricity wire business during the previous government. After a regime change, another group entered this business, leading to conflict between the two groups who were previously acquainted,” he said.

The murder took place on July 9 on a busy road in front of Mitford Hospital, where Lal Chand was called out, beaten, and attacked with bricks and stones, resulting in severe injuries to his head and body. The attackers later stripped him naked and some even jumped on his body.

A case was filed at Kotwali Police Station on July 10, with the victim’s sister, Manjuara Begum, filing the complaint. The case lists 19 named accused and 15 to 20 others unidentified.

The investigation remains ongoing as the DMP works to bring all perpetrators to justice.