Woman Killed in Bogura: Action if error found in murder probe: Rab

Appropriate action will be taken if any negligence, factual errors, or procedural lapses by Rab personnel are found during the investigation into the murder of a woman in Bogura, said the force yesterday.

The statement came after the two agencies -- Rab and Police -- gave contradicting claims about the killing of Umme Salma Khatun, 50.

She was killed at her Joypirpara house in Dupachachia upazila, Bogura on November 10.

On November 11, Rab claimed Saad Bin Azizur Rahman, a 12th-grader at a local madrasa, killed his mother and hid her body in a freezer. However, police said Saad was not involved in the crime.

At a press briefing at the Rab Media Centre in Dhaka's Karwan Bazar yesterday, Rab spokesperson Lt Col Munim Ferdous faced multiple questions from journalists, inquiring whether Rab's presentation of the victim's son as the killer amounted to a media trial, given that police findings contradict Rab's claims.

In reply, Lt Col Ferdous said they acted based on the son's statement, which they have on record along with video footage.

Asked why the son, who allegedly admitted to Rab about killing his mother, did not provide the same statement in court, Lt Col Ferdous responded, "A confession can take various forms -- it can be given to law enforcement or before a magistrate. However, providing a confession does not automatically prove the case. The individual has the legal right to alter, amend, or withdraw their confession at any point."

Asked whether it was a media trial by Rab, Lt Col Ferdous said, "Media briefings are part of social awareness and crime prevention efforts to educate the public and discourage such actions."

"Now, as new findings emerge, the complete investigation may reveal different outcomes. We want to make it clear -- if any negligence, factual inaccuracies, or procedural errors are found in Rab's process, or if any personnel are found responsible, appropriate measures will be taken," the Rab spokesperson added.

On Thursday, police arrested three persons -- including the tenant of the house -- in connection with the murder.