Why delay in Sagar-Runi murder investigation: HC

The High Court on Monday wanted to know how long the investigation into Sagar-Runi murder case will continue as seven years have already elapsed since the gruesome murder.

The HC bench of justice M Enayetur Rahim and justice Mostafizur Rahman asked Khandaker Shafiqul Islam, investigation officer (IO) of the case and additional superintendent of RAB, about the progress of the investigation.

The court also fixed 14 November for passing an order on the petition filed by Tanvir, an accused in the case, seeking cancellation of the case.

Lawyer Fouzia Karim Firoz stood for the petitioner while deputy attorney general Mohammad Sarwar Hossain represented the state.

During the hearing, IO Khandaker Shafiqul Islam said, "No clue has been found in the murder case while samples for four DNA tests have been sent to the USA for tests. Among them, reports of two tests were received but the samples did not match with that of the accused. The rest two samples were sent to the FBI."

On 120 October, the HC summoned the IO to appear before it within 6 November to explain why investigation into the case has not been completed even after seven years of the murder.

The court also issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the proceedings of the case should not be quashed.

Maasranga Television News Editor Sagar Sarowar and his wife ATN Bangla senior reporter Meherun Runi were found dead at their rented apartment in the city's West Rajabazar area on 11 February 2012.

Police arrested Tanvir in connection with the murder case on 1 October 2012. Later, he secured bail in 2014.

Law enforcers have so far arrested eight people, including Tanvir, in connection with the murder case. The seven other suspects are Rafiqul Islam, Bakul Mia, Syed, Mintu, Quamrul Hasan alias Arun, security guard Enamul and Palash Rudra Pal.