Tonu Murder Case: Interpol Seeks Two Ex-Army Personnel

Bangla Press Desk:  Interpol has issued separate red notices for two former Bangladesh Army personnel wanted in the murder case of Comilla Victoria Government College student Sohagi Jahan Tonu.

The notices for former sergeant Md Zahiduzzaman and former soldier Md Shahin Alam were issued on Tuesday following a request from Bangladesh Police’s National Central Bureau (NCB)-Dhaka, based on a request from the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).

Police Additional Inspector General (Crime and Operations) Khondoker Rafiqul Islam confirmed the notices to bdnews24.com.

Investigators have identified Zahiduzzaman and Shahin as “important” suspects based on information and evidence gathered in the case.

Zahiduzzaman was serving as a sergeant with the 12 Engineer Battalion at Cumilla Cantonment when Tonu was murdered.

Shahin was then a soldier with the 2 Signal Battalion.

Both have since retired from the army and their current whereabouts are unknown. Investigators believe one of them is abroad.

The red notices will allow law-enforcing agencies in Interpol member countries to help locate and detain the two men, with further action to be taken under the law of the country where they are found.

On Jun 8, a Cumilla court issued arrest warrants for Zahiduzzaman and Shahin and ordered authorities to seek Interpol’s assistance.

PBI investigator Inspector Md Tarikul Islam had told the court that evidence raised sufficient suspicion of their involvement and that they needed to be brought in for questioning.

Earlier, on Apr 21, PBI arrested former senior warrant officer Hafizur Rahman from his home in Keraniganj. He was later taken on remand and remains in jail.

The PBI has also said DNA samples from several people were found on Tonu’s clothing, including a sample that was tested against Hafizur.