Police in Narayanganj have stated that the murder of 35-year-old Sumon Khalifa was the direct result of his wife’s extra-marital relationship. Within just twenty-four hours of the case being filed, investigators claim to have unravelled the motive and identified those responsible, marking a swift breakthrough in a case that has shocked the local community.
Sumon’s wife, Sonia Akhter, a performing musician, was arrested alongside five other suspects during coordinated operations carried out across several parts of the district. Officers also recovered a machete and a switchgear—both believed to have been used during the killing. The details were disclosed at a press briefing held on Wednesday afternoon at the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Narayanganj.
According to SP Mizanur Rahman Munshi, the origins of the crime lay in Sonia’s illicit relationship with one of the accused, Mehedi Hasan—also known as Yusuf, aged 42. Police said tensions between Sonia and her husband had escalated in recent months as Sumon had become increasingly aware of the affair. Their frequent arguments reportedly turned bitter and confrontational, ultimately prompting Sonia and her lover to hatch a plan to eliminate Sumon altogether.
On the night of 30 November, the conspiracy was put into action. Sumon had gone to a musical event in the Panchabati Metchorkhola area, where his wife was performing. As he stepped out of the venue, the accused lured him away on the pretext of discussing an urgent matter. He was then forced into a CNG auto-rickshaw and taken to the desolate Char Kashipur area. There, police say, Sumon was brutally murdered with sharp weapons.
Investigators were able to locate and apprehend the principal suspect, Mehedi Hasan, using digital surveillance and mobile tracking systems. His initial confession paved the way for the arrests of the remaining accomplices: Abdur Rahman (28), Billal Hossain (58), Alamgir Hawlader (45) and Nannu Mia (55). All six suspects are now in custody and are being interrogated.
The SP added that police are still examining whether additional individuals may have played a role in facilitating the murder. He emphasised that the investigation would continue until every participant in the crime is identified and brought to justice.
Sumon’s body, bearing multiple stab wounds, had been discovered on 1 December in the Middya Narsinghpur area of Kashipur, triggering widespread concern. Originally from Agailjhara in Barishal, Sumon lived with his family in the Mouchak area of Siddhirganj. That same night, his father, 70-year-old Montu Khalifa, filed a case with Fatullah Police Station, setting the investigation in motion.
The killing has sparked intense discussions in the community about domestic violence, secrecy and the devastating consequences of strained marital relationships. As police continue their inquiry, residents await further developments in a case that has exposed a chilling tale of betrayal, rage and premeditated violence.