NAOGAON, April 22: District Superintendent of Police Tariqul Islam said three suspects - including the victim's brother-in-law and two nephews - have been arrested for what he described as a premeditated "killing mission" aimed at eliminating the family over property disputes.
The arrested are Shahidul Islam, husband of victim Habibur Rahman's sister Shirin Akhter; Shirin's son Shahin Hossain; and Sabuj Rana, son of another sister of Habibur - all from Bahadurpur village.
Habibur, 32, his wife Popy Sultana, 25, their son Parvez, 9, and three-year-old daughter Sadia Akhter were found dead at their home in Bahadurpur village on Tuesday morning with their throats slit. A case was later filed at Niamatpur Police Station.
The SP said Habibur had five sisters, and a dispute emerged after their father Namiuddin distributed 13 bighas of land, including the homestead, to Habibur out of 17 bighas, while the rest went to his daughters.
Police said the dispute led to a plan by Shirin Akhter, Shahin, and Sabuj Rana to kill the family. On Monday, Habibur returned from Chhatra Bazar after going to buy cattle with Sabuj Rana carrying Tk 1.4 lakh.
Later, Sabuj, Shahidul, Shahin and others allegedly held a planning meeting in a field. That night, Sabuj and Shahin allegedly entered the house, with Shahin hiding inside. After the family fell asleep, the main gate was opened from inside, allowing others to enter.
Habibur and his family were then killed by slitting their throats, while Namiuddin was locked in a room, police said.
On Tuesday, Sabuj Rana and others reportedly returned to the scene after news spread. Police detained four people, including Sabuj, his father Namiuddin, and Habibur's sisters Dalima Begum and Halima Khatun, for questioning. Sabuj reportedly confessed to involvement.
Police also recovered a sharp weapon from near the house and a knife from a nearby pond. The SP said efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects.
