Minni defends herself in Rifat murder
Ayesha Siddiqa Minni, wife of slain Barguna youth Rifat Sharif, has claimed herself innocent in her husband's murder in broad daylight.
Holding a press conference at her father's residence in Maitha village, Minni told newsmen on Sunday that she did not marry Nayan Bond.
Rather, those who created Nayan Bond and the terrorist group Bond 007 in Barguna are trying to divert the murder case in a different direction by accusing her, she added.
"By uploading negative posts, doctored images and comments, a vested quarter has been plotting against me since Rifat's murder. Their main intention is to direct the case to a different course. Because, those who created 007 Bond group are very influential and rich," she said at the press conference.
About Nayan and her marriage, Minni said, "It's a lie. I didn't marry him. Once he forced me to sign a paper. Later I came to know that it was a marriage certificate."
"Nayan was a drug addict and drug dealer. He had been stalking me for a long time. He even threatened to kill my father and younger brother. That is why I was scared to speak against Nayan," she pointed out.
Abdul Halim Sharif, father of Rifat, on Saturday in another press conference held Minni responsible in his son's killing.
About her father-in-law's statement, Minni said, "My father-in-law is sick. He has become ill after losing his only son."
"I tried my level best to save my husband. I risked my life trying to resist the attackers while they were hacking Rifat. I took him to Barguna General Hospital. But when the physicians advised that he be shifted to Barishal, I lost my senses," she said.
Rifat's father Abdul Halim Sharif told a human chain, "I think Minni was behind my son's murder. Police can reveal the mystery of the murder by arresting her."
On Sunday, Abdul Halim Sharif said, "Minni used to go to college alone. On the day of Rifat's murder, she phoned him to go to her college. And later he was hacked to death by Nayan Bond in front of the college."
He added, "Minni hid her marriage with Nayan Bond, the main accused of the Rifat murder. Her family also lied about this. She married Rifat without parting with Nayan. She kept close contact with Nayan even after marrying Rifat."
Quoting Sahida Begum, Nayan's mother, Abdul Halim Sharif also alleged that Minni visited Nayan's home even the day before Rifat was killed.
Rifat's father also raised a question as to how Minni escaped being stabbed while Rifat was being hacked by a number of youths.
In a new video footage, Minni was seen reluctant when Rifat was being caught by the youths. When Rifat was strained with blood, she did not show any attempt to take him to a hospital. Rather she was seen looking for her sandals and one of the attackers was seen giving Minni her handbag.
Abdul Halim Sharif also questioned why Minni did not accompany Rifat when he was being taken to Barishal in an ambulance.
Rifat Sharif, 22, was hacked to death by a group of youths in broad daylight in Barguna district town on 26 June. The incident was caught on surveillance cameras.
Police so far arrested 13 people in connection with the murder. On 2 July, Nayan Bond, the main accused of the case, was killed in an alleged gunfight with police.