RAB nabs 3 suspects in Shariatpur trader Khokan Das murder

The Rapid Action Battalion has confirmed the arrest of three prime suspects in the brutal killing of Khokan Das, a local medicine trader and mobile financial service agent, following a coordinated raid by the RAB 14 in Kishoreganj early Sunday.

The Director General of RAB, Additional IGP AKM Shahidur Rahman, at briefing on Saturday announced the arrest. 

The arrested suspects – Sohag Khan, 27, Rabbi Molla, 21, and Palash Sardar, 25, – were taken into custody from the Bajitpur area around 1:00 am by a special operational team of RAB-14, CPC-2 (Kishoreganj Camp) led by Company Commander ASP Shahjahan, according to the RAB Intelligence Wing in Dhaka.

Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan said that Khokan Das had identified the attackers before his death. 

“These individuals are known locally for criminal activities and drug abuse. Their arrest is a significant step toward justice for the victim,” he added.

The incident occurred on the night of December 31, 2025, when Khokan Das was returning home after closing his shop at Keharbhanga Bazar in Damudya. 

Police said said he was ambushed by three to four assailants, stabbed repeatedly, and robbed of cash. When the attackers realised that Khokan had recognised some of them, they poured petrol over him and set him on fire.

Local residents rushed to his aid, prompting the attackers to flee. 

Khokan Das, badly burned, was first admitted to Shariatpur General Hospital before being referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Despite undergoing surgery, he succumbed to his injuries on the morning of January 3.

Following the attack, Khokan’s father, Paresh Chandra Das, filed a case at Damudya Police Station, naming the three suspects. 

Legal experts and community leaders have demanded exemplary punishment. 

Advocate Amit Ghatak Chowdhury, president of the Shariatpur unit of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said, “This brutal act has shocked the community. Those responsible must face the law swiftly.”

Police said investigations are ongoing, and further action will follow to ensure all accomplices are brought to justice.

With inputs from BSS