HC expresses frustration over Sagor-Runi murder probe

The High Court has expressed frustration over the murder of Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi as the probe on the death of the journalist couple is yet to finish after seven years.

“The investigation into the murder has already taken seven years. When will it be completed? Will the probe continue forever?” the top court said after the investigating officer (IO) of the case appeared before it on Monday (Nov 11).

The HC bench of justice M Enayetur Rahim and Justice Md Mostafizur Rahman expressed the disappointment after IO of the case Khadakar Shafiqul Alam appeared in it.

The IO informed the top court that they didn’t find any clue in the murder. Four DNA samples have been sent to the US for the test. Two of the test reports have been received, none of those matched with the suspects’ DNA.

The rest of the two samples are with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and no development yet, said Alam, who is a deputy inspector general (DIG) of Rapid Action Battalion.

The HC asked the IO about the pieces of evidence recovered from the crime scenes.

Several sharp objects including knives were recovered but no match with the suspects is yet to found as the test reports delay, Alam said.

The defense lawyer then informed the court that as many as seven IOs have been appointed to look into the case so far. “But no result yet.”

The HC bench then showed frustration over the IO and set Nov 14 to hear a plea by an accused, Tanvir Rahman, who is now on bail and moved the court to scrap the trial proceedings against him in the case.

On Nov 6, the top court summoned IO Alam to appear in it and also issued a rule asking the government to explain in two weeks as to why the proceedings of the case against Tanvir could not be quashed.

On Oct 1, a Dhaka court directed RAB to submit the probe report on Nov 14. The investigation authority has delayed submitting the progress report of their investigation over 65 times but failed to make any headway.

During the probe, investigators interrogated a total of 158 people, including 27 journalists, and recorded statements of Mahir Sarwar Megh, the only son of the couple.

Megh, is 12 years now. He was five when his parents were brutally murdered at their home at Rajabazar, Dhaka on Feb 11, 2012.

Sagar Sarwar was the news editor of Maasranga TV channel, while Meherun Runi was a senior reporter with ATN Bangla.

The double murder incident had triggered public outcry. Police and political bigwigs turned up at the couple’s residence and assured their families of justice through a speedy trial.

Dhaka/AKA