A court in Cumilla has ordered investigators to collect DNA samples from three suspects in the long-pending rape and murder case of Sohagi Jahan Tonu, more than a decade after the incident.
The directive was issued on Monday by Chief Judicial Magistrate Mominul Haque, instructing the investigation officer to match the DNA of the suspects with samples previously collected from Tonu’s clothing.
All three individuals identified in the order are retired army personnel.
Earlier in the day, Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) Inspector Tariku Islam sought the court’s permission to conduct the DNA cross-matching. The request came as part of an update submitted to the court regarding progress in the case, which has remained unresolved for years.
Tonu, a history student at Cumilla Victoria Government College, went missing on 20 March 2016, while on her way to a private tutoring session inside Cumilla Cantonment. Her body was later found in a bush within the area, sparking nationwide outrage and calls for justice.
Her father Yar Hossain expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in the investigation.
Speaking to reporters, he said he plans to seek justice directly from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.
He also issued an emotional warning, saying he would take drastic action if justice is not delivered within a month.
Since the case was filed with Kotwali Model Police Station, it has seen multiple setbacks, including 79 deferred hearings, changes in investigation agencies and several shifts in investigation officers. Despite earlier findings of DNA from three individuals, progress remained stalled until the latest court order.
The new directive has raised hopes that the case may finally move toward resolution after years of uncertainty and public concern.
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