Justice in Tonu murder, don’t make our country safe for killers and rapists

TWO years have elapsed after the murder of college student Tonu, and justice seems elusive for her family. Investigators claimed to have failed to identify any suspect, let alone arrest any. But many believe powerful quarters in the Comilla cantonment area are stalling the progress. The investigators have repeatedly come up with the same reply to any query regarding her murder; which is – ‘Investigation is on’. The pace of the probe keeps disappointing us all.

We find it is unacceptable that even two years after the murder of Sohagi Jahan Tonu the investigators are helpless to figure out under what circumstances this gruesome killing had taken place and who the murderers are. Whether this is inefficiency or lethargy, or obstruction of justice? Despite successful DNA test and change of the investigation officer of the case more than twice, the truth is not coming out.

The point, however, the place in which her murder occurred is understandably one of the well-protected areas in the country. If such a fate can befall a young woman within the boundary of a cantonment, we wonder how dangerous can it be for our women to live in other places?

A CID team interrogated several people at the Dhaka cantonment last year in connection with the case. The investigators said those interrogated were the suspects named by Tonu’s mother. However, the names and identities of those suspects were not disclosed. We mark the entire case to be shrouded with mystery as of now. Moreover, the CID was given the responsibility to handle the case from April 1 that same year after local police and Detective Branch men failed to crack the case. It’s becoming too difficult that the investigation into a rape case can become so puzzling to solve despite having concrete evidence.

Our appeal to all concerned is we cannot make this a safe haven for killers and rapists. We all cannot be so irresponsible and incompetent that we cannot have people to govern the country for the safety and security of our people.