Sohag was murdered over business feud, not extortion: Police

Police have released new findings about the murder of businessman Lal Chand, also known as Sohag (39), in front of Mitford Hospital in Old Dhaka. Investigators clarified that the incident was not an act of extortion, but rather the result of a dispute over who would run a particular shop. They also confirmed that Sohag and the accused were previously involved in business together.

Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of the Lalbagh Division, shared these details during a press briefing at the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Media Center on Saturday (12 July).

Based on initial interrogations, DC Jasim Uddin said, "There had been a long-standing conflict regarding the scrap business and who would run the shop. Sohag and the accused used to do business together. This murder happened because of disagreements over business dealings."

Explaining the incident, he said, "Around 6.00pm on Wednesday (10 July), a group of attackers stabbed businessman Sohag in front of Gate 3 of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital. After receiving the report, police from Kotwali Police Station rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control."

Later, Sohag’s elder sister filed a murder case at Kotwali Police Station. The body was sent for autopsy after the inquest report was prepared.

On 11 July, police collected CCTV footage of the incident and conducted raids in different areas of the city. They arrested two accused — Mahmudul Hasan Mohin (41) and Tarek Rahman Robin (22). A foreign-made pistol was also recovered from Robin.

Additionally, RAB arrested two more suspects — Alamin (28) and Monir alias Chhoto Monir (25). On Friday night, police arrested another accused named Md. Titon Gazi (32).

DC Mohammad Jasim Uddin said, "This incident is being investigated with utmost importance. A special investigation team is working to uncover the main motive behind the murder, arrest all those involved, and find out why Sohag was targeted. Operations are ongoing to catch the remaining suspects."