New Market Shooting: Probe ‘Being Misled’
The family of Khandaker Naim Ahmed Titon has alleged that a known criminal figure, Picchi Helal, is attempting to mislead the investigation into Titon’s murder by spreading false information on social media.
The allegation was made by the victim’s elder brother, Khandaker Saeed Akhtar Ripon, who is also the plaintiff in the case, at a press conference held at the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association in Segunbagicha on Saturday.
In a written statement, Ripon said that since
the killing on the night of 28 April in Newmarket, the main accused has been circulating an audio recording in an effort to create confusion.
“The claim being made about a family dispute is completely fabricated,” he said, describing it as a tactic intended to divert the investigation.
He maintained that there are no internal disputes within the family. “Among our 11 siblings, we maintain good relations.
There is no conflict with our sister or brother-in-law, Sanzidul Hasan Imon, who comes from a respectable and educated background,” he said, adding that the allegations were being spread to conceal the crime.
Ripon further alleged that the killing was premeditated and linked to the expansion of influence in areas including Mohammadpur, Dhanmondi and Newmarket, as well as control over the upcoming sacrificial cattle market.
He also claimed that tensions between Titon and Picchi Helal had existed prior to the incident, including during their time in prison.
According to him, about six weeks before the murder, Titon had informed family members that Helal was planning to kill him.
Addressing the audio recording, Ripon said he was willing to submit his own mobile phone for forensic examination and called on authorities to seize and examine all devices used by the accused, stating that this would help establish the facts.
At the press conference, the family described Picchi Helal as an identified criminal, noting that multiple cases are pending against him, including the murder of a former Mohammadpur commissioner.
The family has sought the intervention of the Prime Minister and the Home Minister to ensure the swift arrest of those involved, a fair trial, and maximum punishment.
They expressed concern that the trial process could be obstructed due to the accused’s influence and ongoing misinformation campaign.
Ripon added that following his release from prison, Titon had been staying in Dhanmondi and had also visited his village home in Jessore.
He said that although Titon had considered filing a police complaint over threats, he was unable to do so due to safety concerns and did not get the opportunity to raise the issue publicly.
