A Netrokona court has sent to jail the prime accused in a murder case, who was arrested nearly three decades after the incident in Khaliajuri upazila of Netrokona.
The court passed the order when police produced the accused – Abu Hanif Talukder, 65, son of late Abdul Momin Talukder of Balli village under Chakua union – before it on Thursday, said Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khaliajuri Police Station Nasir Uddin.
Earlier, police arrested him from Netrokona town on Wednesday afternoon, he said.
Police said arrest warrants remain in force against several other accused in the case and efforts are underway to apprehend them.
According to police and case records, Abu Hanif allegedly shot dead Sakhatur Rahman, 30, son of late Khurshed Uddin Talukder of the same village on May 14, 1997, using his father's licensed firearm.
The killing reportedly stemmed from disputes over local election influence and allegations involving the theft of two sacks of paddy and clothing.
A day after the incident, victim’s cousin Aftab Uddin Talukder filed a case at Khaliajuri Police Station, accusing Abu Hanif and 34 other individuals.
Aftab Uddin said the investigation was later transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of police following an application by the accused.
During the investigation, four accused were dropped from the charge sheet, prompting him to challenge the decision.
He said although a district court later ordered a reinvestigation, the same four accused were again excluded.
Aftab Uddin added that the District Sessions Judge Court subsequently ordered that no accused should be excluded from the case, but the trial was repeatedly delayed as the defendants sought stay orders from higher courts.
Following the withdrawal of stay orders after August 5, 2024, the court issued summons against the accused and later warrants for their arrest.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrest of the prime accused, plaintiff Aftab Uddin said he had been pursuing justice for nearly 30 years.
“I have received some relief with the arrest of the main accused. I hope the court will ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible for the murder,” he said.