FROM PAGE 12

The victim has been identified as Fahima Akter, daughter of Roisul Haque.

Citing the statement Zakir gave during initial interrogation, SMP Deputy Commissioner Saiful said the suspect had sent Fahima to a nearby shop to buy cigarettes on the day of the incident.

After the girl returned, Zakir called her to his room, closed the door, and attempted to rape her, the police officer said.

Zakir admitted to strangling the child after she became unconscious at one stage of the sexual assault, Saiful said.

Whether to add a rape charge will be decided once the medical report is received, the police officer said. A murder case has been filed with Jalalabad Police Station.

Citing Zakir’s statement, police said he first stashed the body in a briefcase in the room and later tried to bury it inside his room. As the odour from the decomposing body spread, he dumped it in a nearby pond. Police recovered the body after being informed by the locals.

Police said they recovered a piece of cloth and the briefcase used in the crime based on information given by Zakir. The items will be examined as part of investigation.

“No direct evidence has yet been found of another person’s involvement,” the deputy commissioner said. “But the probe is underway. If anyone else is found to be involved, they will be brought to justice.”