Investigators are examining whether a third individual may have been involved in the brutal rape and murder of schoolgirl Ramisa Akhter in Dhaka’s Pallabi area, although police suspect the claim could be an attempt to mislead the investigation.
The horrific incident took place on Tuesday when eight-year-old Ramisa, a second-grade student, was allegedly lured into a neighbouring apartment by Sohel Rana, who is accused of assaulting and murdering the child before attempting to mutilate the body to conceal the crime.
On Wednesday, the prime suspect, Sohel Rana, reportedly confessed to the killing before a court. His wife, Swapna Akhter, who police believe assisted him after the incident, was sent to jail by a Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Court.
According to investigation sources, Sohel mentioned the presence of a “third individual” during questioning. However, he failed to provide any clear details or identity of the alleged person, prompting investigators to question the credibility of the claim.
Police officials believe the statement may have been fabricated to divert attention from the main accused.
Ramisa lived with her family in the south-side apartment on the third floor of a five-storey building in Pallabi’s Section-11, while Sohel and his wife occupied the apartment opposite theirs.
Investigators said Ramisa left her home around 9:30am on 19 May to go to school when Sohel allegedly intercepted her and took her into his apartment.
Police suspect he assaulted the child inside the bathroom while his wife remained in the flat.
After the murder, investigators said the accused attempted to dismember the body to hide evidence. The victim’s torso was allegedly hidden under a bed, while the severed head was concealed inside a bucket.
Family members searching for Ramisa became suspicious after finding her shoes outside the suspect’s apartment. According to police, Sohel escaped through a window after cutting the iron grille, while his wife later opened the door.
Residents and family members then discovered the child’s mutilated body inside the apartment.
Police arrested Swapna at the scene and later detained Sohel Rana from the Fatullah area of Narayanganj.
Ramisa’s father, Hannan Mollah, filed a murder case with Pallabi Police Station against the couple.
Investigating officer Sub-Inspector Ohiduzzaman said authorities are working to complete the investigation quickly but declined to disclose further details.
Meanwhile, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman has instructed the Dhaka Metropolitan Police commissioner to submit the investigation report within one week.
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