Rakib’s presence found in location data in Khorshed murder case, investigation takes new turn

Bay Insight | Cox’s Bazar

Police have raised questions over statements made by the prime accused, Tarek, in the widely discussed murder case of Khorshed Alam, a student activist known as a “July fighter” and a member of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal.

An official involved in the investigation said Tarek told police he saw co-accused Rakib and several others at the scene during the incident.

The officer questioned the claim, saying, “If he was not involved, how did he see others at the scene? Did he observe it from a distance with binoculars?

Investigators said technological analysis has provided a key breakthrough. According to officials, Rakib’s presence near the crime scene on the day of the incident has been confirmed through mobile phone location data and other digital trails. They said this information has added a new dimension to the investigation and is being treated as a vital lead in verifying his possible involvement.

Law enforcement officials said the probe is currently focused on two suspects. “Two individuals have been arrested on suspicion, and there are initial indications of their involvement,” a police official told Bay Insight, adding that the probe appears to be on the right track and is being examined further.

Investigating officer Chinmoy Barua said Tarek was arrested within 12 hours of the incident, while Rakib was detained from court premises when he surrendered in a separate case. However, neither has yet been taken on remand, and police plan to seek remand soon for further questioning.

Investigators are also examining relationships and communication patterns among those involved. A woman identified as Tarin is being discussed due to her prior contact with the victim, although no evidence of her involvement has been confirmed so far. An official said Khorshed had called Tarin before the incident.

CCTV footage from before and after the incident is being analyzed, though officials said not all details can be disclosed at this stage. Footage reviewed by Bay Insight shows Tarek near Hotel Prasad Paradise at Sugandha Point around 9:30 pm on the night of the incident. However, no footage has been found after that time, with hotel authority saying the relevant footage was deleted.

Local businessmen said Tarek was playing Ludo there for some time, though none could specify the exact duration.

A roommate of Tarek gave a different account, saying Tarek returned home after securing bail in another case, freshened up, and even danced before going out again later. He said they later went to Sugandha Point, where Tarek sat down to play Ludo with friends. The roommate claimed he later found Tarek missing and was told over the phone that he had returned home.

He also said, some members of a group known locally as ‘Fakir Group’ arrived on motorcycles looking for Tarek.

Tarek’s mother, however, claimed her son is innocent. She said he returned home after playing Ludo, ate dinner, and went to sleep. According to her, he later traveled from Cox’s Bazar to their home in Ramu that night.

Police said they are also reviewing previous criminal records of the suspects. “This group has a history of various criminal activities. Their record is not good,” an officer said.

Officials said preliminary findings suggest involvement of the arrested individuals, but no final conclusion has been reached. “Everything indicates they may be involved, but the investigation is ongoing,” an official said.

Khorshed Alam was stabbed to death around 10:30 pm on March 24 at Kabita Square in Cox’s Bazar town. He was rushed to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Police said a group of attackers surrounded and stabbed him. Tarin, who was with the victim at the time, told journalists that a group of miscreants demanded valuables before the attack, and Khorshed was stabbed following an allegation involving an attack on a person named Arif.

Officer-in-Charge Chomiuddin of Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station said witnesses and close associates of the victim are being questioned, and efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those involved.