The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB-10) has arrested the main suspect in a shocking case where a teenage worker was killed by high-pressure air forced into his body through a pipe at a factory in Boalmari, Faridpur.

RAB-10 Company Commander Squadron Leader Tarikul Islam confirmed the arrest at a press briefing held Thursday evening at the RAB office.

The suspect, Rihat Sheikh alias Hakim (22), was arrested from Shripur area of Magura district. He is a resident of Ramnagar village in Boalmari Upazila, Faridpur.

According to RAB, the suspect was identified and arrested during a special operation aimed at maintaining law and order and curbing crime in the region.

The case stems from the incident on the night of Feb 23, when victim Md. Sajib alias Sharif (12), a worker at Akij-Bashir Jute Mill in Dobra village, Boalmari, was cleaning his body with a compressor pipe after work. Rihat Sheikh and an accomplice forced high-pressure air into the boy’s rectum, causing severe abdominal swelling and critical injuries.

The victim was initially admitted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite surgery, he succumbed to multiple internal injuries on Feb 25. Doctors confirmed that his intestines were severely pierced.

Following the incident, the victim’s father filed a murder case with Boalmari Police Station under Case No. 17, dated Feb 26, 2026, Sections 302/34 of the Penal Code. The case received widespread media and social media attention, sparking outrage in the area.

RAB stated that the suspect had gone into hiding immediately after the crime but was captured within 24 hours through intelligence and modern technology. He is currently being handed over to the relevant police station for further legal action.

RAB-10 emphasized its zero-tolerance policy against such brutal and inhumane crimes, pledging to bring offenders to justice and maintain law and order.