Justice Eludes Victim’s Family One Year After Brutal Murder
One year ago, Lal Chand, a scrap trader, was brutally murdered in Old Dhaka. Despite promises of a swift trial, his case remains unresolved, leaving his family in fear and demanding justice.
The daylight murder, captured on CCTV, showed attackers beating Lal Chand to death and crushing his body with bricks and stones. The shocking violence sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about criminal activity in the area.
Lal Chand’s sister filed a murder case, naming nineteen suspects. A charge sheet was submitted, but the court ordered corrections, leading to delays. The investigation was passed to a new officer, and the revised charge sheet was finally submitted months later.
The family alleges that one suspect’s father’s name was changed in the revised document, potentially to aid in securing bail. They claim this suspect, Imran, is still operating his business openly and threatening them.
Of the 21 individuals now accused, 13 are in jail, while eight remain at large. The charge sheet points to a long-standing dispute over the scrap metal trade as the motive for the murder.
The victim’s family has accused police of tampering with the investigation, fearing the changes were made for bribes. They report receiving death threats from the accused, who they claim are still active in the community and even committing new crimes.
One fugitive suspect, Sharafat, is accused of a recent kidnapping and extortion, highlighting the ongoing criminal activity of those involved.
Despite the government’s initial pledge for a speedy trial, the case has faced significant delays. Lal Chand’s family continues to live in fear, their quest for justice overshadowed by ongoing threats and a stalled legal process. They are desperately calling for the trial to be fast-tracked.
