Connection with 'cultural figure' found in Sagar-Runi murder case: ICT chief prosecutor
However, he declined to disclose the person’s identity in the interest of the investigation.
A "connection" between a cultural figure and the murders of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi has emerged in an investigation, International Crimes Tribunal Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Aminul Islam said today (30 August).
However, he declined to disclose the person's identity in the interest of the investigation. Speaking to reporters at his office at the tribunal, Aminul said the Sagar-Runi case is being handled by the Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI).
"We are examining and verifying the matter. We are keeping the person under observation," he said. "If we find authentic information after further investigation, we will share it with the relevant PBI officials to assist their investigation."
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He said the Sagar-Runi case is separate and that the clue emerged while investigators were probing another case. The trial will be held before the relevant sessions court.
The remarks came amid repeated delays in the long-running investigation. On 27 August, a Dhaka court postponed submission of the investigation report to 30 September after the PBI failed to file it, marking the 129th delay. The High Court ordered a task force to investigate the murders on 30 September 2024 following a complainant's application.
International Crimes Tribunal prosecutor and special investigation officer Tanvir Hasan Zoha recently described the murders as a "state-sponsored murder", saying investigators found evidence that a section of law enforcement had prior knowledge of the killings.
He said an RAB intelligence official was told the night before that "something was going to happen" and to remain prepared the next morning. The official learned of the murders the following day. Zoha said the information emerged while probing allegations against dismissed army officer Ziaul Ahsan.
The murders
Sagar Sarowar, news editor of Maasranga Television, and his wife Meherun Runi, a senior ATN Bangla reporter, were murdered at their rented apartment in Dhaka's West Rajabazar on 11 February 2012. Their bodies were recovered the next morning.
Runi's brother filed a murder case on 12 February. The probe was later transferred from the police to the DB and then to RAB following a High Court order. Eight accused have been arrested so far.
