Aftab murder verdict tomorrow

The verdict will be pronounced tomorrow.

Trial of the much talked murder case began on November 1 last year. Charge-framing was completed on October 19.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The court examined 34 witnesses.

The six charge sheeted accused are Noman Uddin Murad, Jashimuddin, Sujan Ali, Luthfur Rahman, Abdul Haque and Sufian.

Among them, Jashimuddin, is absconding.

Dr Aftab Hossain, Assistant Director of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, was called out of his private medical chamber at Dhakadakshin Bazar in Golapganj upazila by some people on the night of September 14, 2002 on the plea of attending an elderly patient.

They took him to a hillock at Ghoshgaon village and killed him there. The miscreants also took away the doctor's motorbike, mobile phone and money.

The body was recovered in the following morning.

It was later alleged he was killed for refusing to pay toll.

Following the filing of a case, the then Officer in charge of Golapganj PS was entrusted with investigation of the case.

Dr Aftab was well known for his amiable behaviour with all. The killing sparked widespread resentment.

A hartal was observed in the whole upazila and the BMA (Bangladesh Medical Association) members in the district also observed a strike for trial of the killers.

The central BMA also gave memorandum to the government for arrest and punishment of the killers. But, all went in vain due to alleged police negligence. It was alleged that the killers moved freely in the area after the killing but they were not arrested due to the "mysterious behaviou" of the then OC of Golapganj.

The case was transferred to the Detective Branch. Later, the Police Superintendent and the OC were transferred from Sylhet.