TDS Desk:

A Dhaka court on Sunday expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in completing the probe into the case filed over murders of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi in 2012.

In response to the summon issued by Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Md Minhazur Rahman, Investigation Officer Md Azizul Haque, also an additional superintendent of police at the PBI, appeared before the court and said that he was trying his best to complete the probe as early as possible, said a sub-inspector working at the court.

The court also extended the time until November 30 for submission of the probe report. This marks the 122nd extension of the deadline, according to case records.

The magistrate also asked the IO to complete the probe as soon as possible.

On August 11, the metropolitan magistrate summoned the investigation officer to appear in person before it on  Sunday and submit the progress report on investigation in the case.

Investigators have so far spoken to over 70 people, said a PBI official, requesting anonymity.

The agency also interrogated seven individuals – sacked army official Ziaul Ahsan, former police officer Mashiur Rahman, ex-justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, former navy officer Mohammad Sohail, and accused Humayun Kabir, Palash Rudra Paul and Tanvir Rahman.

Earlier on November 11, 2019, the High Court expressed disappointment as there is no significant progress of the investigation into the sensational journalist.

Sagar, news editor at Maasranga TV, and Runi, senior reporter at ATN Bangla, were killed on February 11, 2012, at their rented apartment in Dhaka’s West Rajabazar.

After the killings, eight suspects — Kamrul Islam alias Arun, Abu Sayeed, Rafiqul Islam, Bakul Miah, Masum Mintu, Palash Rudra Paul, Anamul Haque alias Humayun Kabir, and Tanveer Rahman Khan — were arrested. Tanvir and Palash are now out of jail, while the others are behind bars.

Initially, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station handled the case. It was transferred to the Detective Branch on February 16, 2012, and later to the Rapid Action Battalion in April that year. Rab investigated until November 3, 2023.

The PBI took over the probe on November 4 last year following a High Court order.

Keywords: Sagar Sarowar, Meherun Run, Sagar-Runi murder case,murder case, investigation, Police Bureau of Investigation, PBI, probe report.