The home of one of the suspects arrested in connection with murder of Dhaka University (DU) student and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leader SM Shahriar Alam Sammo was set on fire on Wednesday night.
The incident took place in the ancestral home of Md Tamim Hawlader, 30, at Brahmandi village under Jhaudi union of Madaripur Sadar Upazila.
However, the actual cause behind the fire or the identity of those responsible has not yet been confirmed.
According to police and local sources, all three individuals arrested in connection with the murder are from Madaripur. Tamim Hawlader, 30, and Palash Sardar, 30, are both residents of Brahmandi village, while the third accused, Samrat Mallik, 28, hails from Shashikar area in Nabagram union under Dasar Upazila.
Residents claim that the trio had been involved in various criminal activities in their localities. Tamim and Palash were reportedly active in the area until shortly before the political shift on August 5, during which they were frequently seen associating with local leaders. Samrat Mallik is alleged to be a drug addict, according to locals.
Although Tamim and Palash did not hold any official political positions, locals say they operated under the patronage of influential leaders and were involved in extortion and other illicit activities. After the change in political situation, the suspects left for Dhaka and had not returned to their village until their arrests.
Following news of their arrests in the Shammo murder case, tensions ran high in the area. On Wednesday night, a fire broke out at Tamim’s house, destroying the main residence, kitchen, and two additional rooms.
Firefighters from the Madaripur Fire Service responded quickly and brought the blaze under control, but not before significant damage was done.
Speaking to reporters, several locals — who requested anonymity — said, "All three of them were involved in extortion, drugs, and acted as enforcers for local political figures."
Additional Superintendent of Police in Madaripur, Chatak Chakma, confirmed that police had visited the scene and assured that an investigation is underway. “Appropriate action will be taken following a thorough investigation,” he said.
