The brother of an Awami League leader was shot dead in Rajbila union of Bandarban early yesterday.

The victim, Kya Ching Thoai Marma, was whisked away from his home in Punorbashon Rubber Garden area around 1:00am, said Hla Sa Bu Marma, karbari of Punorbashon village.

“Six armed men picked up Ching from the house. His bullet-ridden body was found lying nearby around 5:00am,” the village head said quoting his family.

The 30-year-old man was the younger brother of Saipo Aung Marma, vice-president of Rajbila AL ward 5 unit.

U Cha Mong Marma, uncle of the victim, said the criminals had come for Saipo but picked up Ching instead as Saipo was not home at that time.

Filing of a murder case was underway at Bandarban Sadar Police Station, said Sub-Inspector Md Ziaur Rahman. “Saipo is initiating the case against unidentified people.”

Ching’s body was sent to the Bandarban Sadar Hospital for autopsy, SI Ziaur said. “Police were trying to find out the motive behind the killing.”

On May 8, two members of the Parbatya Chattagram Jana Samhati Samiti got killed in the same neighbourhood. A day later, another member of the association was abducted and is missing till date.

Police are yet to arrest anyone in connection with the incidents that have triggered panic in the area.

“Ching was a supporter of the Awami League and his murderers must be held without delay,” said AL Bandarban unit Secretary Md Islam Baby.