The responsibility to probe the sensational Tawki murder case has been formally transferred to the elite crime busting agency Rab on Thursday, in accordance with a High Court directive.
Officer-in-charge of Narayanganj Sadar Model police station, SM Manjoor Kader, who led the investigation into the murder since the beginning, handed over necessary case documents to Rapid Action Battalion ASP Robiul Islam on Thursday noon.
“We have made much progress in the investigation of the case. But, because of a court ruling, we had to hand over the responsibility to Rab,” the OC said.
The High Court on May 28 reassigned the task of investigation to Rab following a writ petition filed by Tawki’s father, noted cultural activist Rafiur Rabbi. A joint bench of Justice Kazi Rezaul Haque and ABM Altaf Hossain passed the order to that effect.
Later on June 3, Rafiur Rabbi, also the plaintiff of the case, handed over a copy of the court order to the district Superintendent of Police (SP).
The court in its order also issued a rule asking police to report the progress of the investigation and to explain, within two weeks, why their “inaction” in the investigation process should not be declared illegal.
On March 6, 17-year-old Tanvir Muhammad Tawki, the eldest son of Rabbi, went missing after leaving home. Two days later, his body was found on the bank of Shitalakkha River at the town’s Charargop area.
On that night, Rabbi lodged a murder case with the Narayanganj Sadar Model police station against several anonymous suspects.
A 201-member “Santras Nirmul Tawki Mancha” comprising local notables was formed on the night of March 17, with Rafiur Rabbi as its convener. The platform formally started its journey from Narayanganj Press Club the next day.
On March 18, Rabbi submitted a written complaint to the district SP against Shamim Osman, his son Ayan Osman, Juba League leader Parvez, district Chhatra League vice-president Rajib Das, general secretary Mizanur Rahman, Saleh Rahman Shimanto and Rifaat – accusing them of complicity in the Tawki murder. He also urged the police to take proper steps against the accused.
Two days later, on March 20, Rifaat bin Osman was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder and placed on a seven-day remand. So far, police have put Rifaat and Shimanto, the other accused arrested, on remand on several occasions.