Evidence Links Prominent Cultural Figure to Sagar-Runi Murder: Chief Prosecutor.
Investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting a possible connection between the 2012 murders of journalists Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi and a prominent cultural figure, International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam said Sunday.
Speaking to reporters at the tribunal, Aminul said the information emerged during an investigation into a separate case. The Sagar-Runi murder is being handled by another investigative agency, but clues related to the killings were discovered while probing the other case.
He said investigators had identified several names and identities but were not yet in a position to make them public.
“We have found evidence of a link between the Sagar-Runi murder and a well-known cultural figure in the country,” Aminul said.
According to the chief prosecutor, the information is currently being verified and the individual concerned is under surveillance. If additional credible evidence is established, it will be handed over to the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI), he said.
Aminul also clarified that the murder case does not fall under the jurisdiction of the International Crimes Tribunal. Since it is an individual murder case, it would be tried by the appropriate sessions court, he said.
The development comes more than 12 years after the journalist couple were killed, with investigators still yet to submit a final report to the court.
On August 27, the court once again deferred submission of the investigation report, marking the 129th postponement. A fresh date was set for submission.
Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi were found murdered at their rented residence in West Rajabazar, Dhaka, on February 11, 2012. At the time, Sagar was working as news editor at Maasranga Television, while Runi was a senior reporter at ATN Bangla.
Following the killings, Runi’s brother Nowsher Alam filed a murder case with Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station.
The investigation initially went to the local police before being transferred to the Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch. The Rapid Action Battalion later took over the probe, and the PBI was eventually assigned to conduct a fresh investigation.