RAB-13 has arrested three FIR-named accused in a case involving the beating and subsequent murder of a housewife over dowry demands in Saidpur, Nilphamari. They were apprehended during a drive on Sunday (April 19) afternoon in the Dhalagach Motir Mor area of the upazila. The arrested individuals are Raihan Ritu (30), Jashim (32), and Jitu (34). All are residents of different areas in Saidpur upazila and had been absconding since the incident. According to RAB, the victim, Shimu Akter (31), married Raihan Ritu about 13 years ago. It is alleged that she had been subjected to physical and mental torture for dowry since the marriage. When her family expressed inability to meet the dowry demands, the intensity of the torture increased.
On the morning of April 9, Shimu was severely beaten at her husband's house. It is further alleged that to cover up the incident, she was forced to consume poison. She was admitted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital in critical condition, where she passed away on the night of April 10 while undergoing treatment. On April 12, the victim's father filed a murder case at Saidpur Police Station under the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act (Case No. 12). The incident caused a significant stir in the area, prompting RAB-13 to intensify intelligence efforts to capture the accused. Following this, the three fugitives were arrested in a targeted operation.
Biplab Kumar Goswami, Senior Assistant Director (Media) and Additional Superintendent of Police of RAB-13, stated, "RAB is always vigilant in curbing social crimes, including dowry-related violence. We have prioritized bringing those involved in this brutal murder to justice. Our operations against such crimes will continue in the future. He further added that the arrested individuals have been handed over to the concerned police station for further legal proceedings.
