Murder of London expatriate
My son's killers threatening us, says Iffat's mother
Our Correspondent, Rangpur
Killers of London expatriate Iffat-bin-Mahbub are threatening his family with death if they proceed further with the case, his mother Farida Rahman alleged at a press conference at Rangpur Press Club yesterday. Other members of the victim's family were also present during the press conference. "Our lives are also at stake. They (killers) are threatening us over cell phone", she alleged. She also mentioned a cell phone number of the callers. "I believe the callers are none but the killers of my son. I, therefore, urge law enforcing agencies to arrest them within 24 hours", she said. She also demanded trial of the accused under the Speedy Trial Tribunal. The family members alleged that some unidentified callers threatened them with death if they continue pursuing the case. They also alleged that law enforcers were not properly investigating the case and are showing a lax attitude to arrest the rest of the accused. Rangpur Kotwali police, when asked, said they got "many information" from accused Capt Iftekhar, now being quizzed in collection with the murder. He was interrogated on the third day yesterday of his five-day remand, they said. Quoting from Iftekhar's statement, investigation officer (IO) of the case Sib-inspector Rezaul Islam said that Iffat was stabbed at a place in Teesta. Iftekhar, Pavel and some hired goons stabbed him to death and dumped the body at Rathbari along the Rangpur-Kurigram highway. Rezaul said investigators are verifying his statement. Quoting some locals at Rathbari, SI Rezaul said Iffat was alive after being stabbed. When he was dropped at Rathbari from the car, Iffat was still groaning and screaming. The car then ran over Iffat twice to confirm his death. The Officer-in-charge of Kotwali police station said, Iftekhar was suspended from army after news of the murder was published in newspapers. Iffat was killed on Mar 16.His brother Adib-bin-Mahbub filed a case with Kotwali police station accusing Khandaker Mahbub Elahi Biplob, Capt Iftekhar Elahi Shanto Ershad Elahi Shuvo, Laila Monjur and Pavel. Capt Iftekhar is Iffat's cousin. Capt Iftekhar was caught by locals when he was going to Rangpur from Rathbari after the murder. He was handed over to police. Police said the rest of the accused are absconding.
| 
