Sohag Murder Planned Over Extortion: Body Dragged to Mitford Gate for Mob Display

In a shocking incident, Lal Chand Sohag, a scrap dealer, was brutally murdered in a planned attack stemming from disputes over extortion in Old Dhaka’s Mitford area. The killers, led by Mahmudul Hasan Mohin, dragged Sohag’s lifeless body to the No. 3 gate of Sir Salimullah Medical College Hospital (Mitford) and celebrated to create the appearance of a mob lynching, aiming to evade legal consequences.

Police investigations and on-site inquiries revealed that Mohin frequently demanded money from Sohag for political events or other needs. While Sohag initially complied, their relationship turned sour in June due to disputes over fixed extortion demands. On July 7, a heated argument and physical altercation occurred between them, leading Mohin and Titon Gazi to devise a plan to eliminate Sohag permanently, threatening to seize control of his business if he refused to pay.

To avoid suspicion, the perpetrators planned to stage the murder as a mob attack. On July 9, a group of 19 assailants, arriving on seven motorcycles, attacked Sohag at his shop in Rajani Bose Lane. They beat him to death with concrete blocks and dragged his body to the hospital’s No. 3 gate, where they celebrated to incite others and create a mob-like scene. Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder and arms-related cases: Mahmudul Hasan Mohin, Tarek Rahman Robin, Md. Titon Gazi, Alamgir, Lomba Monir, Sojib Bepari, and Rajib Bepari. During interrogation, Mohin confessed to planning the murder, detailing the decision to kill Sohag publicly at Mitford to disguise it as a mob attack. Tarek Rahman Robin also provided a confessional statement, and other suspects revealed further details about the motive and execution. Inspector (Investigation) Nasir Uddin of Kotwali Police Station confirmed that two separate cases have been filed—one for murder and another under the Arms Act. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects. Police found that Mohin and Titon, aware of recent mob incidents, believed staging the murder publicly would divert attention. Small arms were procured through Chhoto Monir, though the killing was executed through brutal beating. An ambulance driver witnessed Mohin inciting others, saying, “If Sohag lives, we’re finished,” prompting the crowd to join the attack. DMP’s Additional Commissioner (Crime and Ops) SN Md. Nazrul Islam assured that the investigation is being conducted with utmost seriousness, and all involved, including any influential figures or mafia, will face legal action. The Detective Branch (DB) is assisting in identifying and arresting the culprits. Sohag’s shop, “Sohana Metal,” remains closed, and fear persists among local scrap dealers due to Mohin’s group and similar factions in the area. However, police have assured enhanced security measures and held meetings with business owners to address concerns. The Director General of Ansar and Village Defense Force, Major General Abdul Motaleb Sajjad Mahmud, clarified that no Ansar personnel were assigned to the No. 3 gate during the incident, dismissing allegations of negligence. The hospital administration determines Ansar deployment, and no personnel were stationed at the gate at the time of the murder (5:50 PM on July 9).