Witness testifies in brutal murder of businessman Lal Chand in Dhaka
Testimony has begun in the murder case of Lal Chand, also known as Sohag, a 39-year-old businessman, in Old Dhaka. The trial is taking place at the First Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge's court in Dhaka. The first witness, Sohag's elder sister Manjuyara Begum, who is also the plaintiff in the case, provided her testimony on Monday. She described the horrific details of the murder, which occurred on July 9, 2025, around 4:30 PM. According to her statement, a group including Mahin, Titu, Lomba Monir, Chhoto Monir, Sajib, Rajib, Ruman Bepari, Abir Hossain, Alamgir, Opu Das, Ovi, Tituon Gazi, and Robin brutally beat Sohag with fists, kicks, and pieces of brick and stone. After he fell to the ground, they allegedly stomped on his body and crushed his head with a concrete boulder to confirm his death, celebrating their actions. Upon hearing the news, Manjuyara went to the scene and gathered details from bystanders and employees. She later filed the murder case after reviewing CCTV footage. Defense lawyers cross-examined Manjuyara, claiming she was not an eyewitness and filed the case for financial gain, which she vehemently denied. The court has scheduled the next testimony for August 13. The case involves 21 defendants, with 10 currently in jail, 8 absconding, and 3 on bail. Charges were framed against all 21 defendants on July 12. The trial was temporarily halted on July 19 when one defendant expressed distrust in the judge, but the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge's court ordered the trial to proceed in the same court on July 27. Police state the murder, which occurred in front of gate number 3 of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital, was a result of business disputes, with some perpetrators being former business associates of Sohag. A video of the incident circulated on social media, causing widespread public outrage. The investigation officer submitted the charge sheet against 21 individuals on May 10 after Sohag's sister filed the case at Kotwali police station.
The brutal public murder of businessman Lal Chand, captured on video and widely circulated, highlights significant issues in urban safety and the administration of justice in Dhaka. The prolonged legal process, including the delay in submitting the charge sheet and the subsequent procedural halts, suggests potential systemic inefficiencies or challenges in prosecuting complex criminal cases. The alleged celebratory actions of the perpetrators after the murder, as described by the plaintiff, point to a disturbing level of impunity or societal breakdown. Moving forward, strengthening law enforcement's investigative capacity, expediting judicial processes, and addressing the underlying causes of business-related violence, such as unregulated competition or organized crime, will be crucial for restoring public confidence and ensuring accountability.
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