Investigators have said that neither the confessional statement recorded under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure nor the police interrogation of Sohel Rana, the prime accused in Pallabi minor girl rape and murder case, contains any reference to a person named “Dollar,” according to sources involved in the investigation.
However, the matter resurfaced after Sohel Rana reportedly uttered the name “Dollar” while being taken in a prison van on Monday, sparking renewed debate on social media.
In response, the individual identified as Dollar has denied any involvement in the incident and claimed he is innocent.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune, Dollar said he is a businessman currently facing financial hardship due to business losses. He added that he is going through a difficult time while supporting his three children.
He said he previously ran a panjabi shop at Pir Yemeni Market in Gulistan, Dhaka, but had to shut it down due to losses. He later began working as an auto-rickshaw driver with the support of his family.
Dollar further stated that he became acquainted with Sohel Rana through an auto-rickshaw repair garage, where Rana used to work. He said they knew each other in a work-related context but had several disputes over job-related issues.
He alleged that he once reprimanded Rana for not working on a particular day and believes that incident may have led to resentment or misunderstanding, resulting in his name being dragged into the case. However, he said he does not understand why he is being linked to the incident.
Meanwhile, investigating officers have said no information has so far emerged linking any third party to the case apart from Sohel Rana and his wife Swapna.
Officer-in-Charge of Pallabi Police Station Md Hasan Basir said no third-party name has surfaced during the investigation.
He added that neither Sohel Rana’s confession nor other statements mention any accomplices, and suggested that the recent mention of “Dollar” may be an attempt to create confusion.
He also warned that pursuing such unverified claims could unnecessarily delay both the investigation and the judicial process.