Took Bath, Ate Dates, Consumed Drugs: Chilling Details Emerge In Bangladesh Hindu Family Murder

Fresh details have emerged in the killing of a Hindu family of four inside their locked home in Bangladesh’s Rangpur city, with police alleging that two men not only murdered the family but also stayed inside the house overnight, ate their food, bathed and consumed drugs before leaving.

The victims were identified as retired school teacher Ganapati Chakraborty (65), his wife Pritilata Chakraborty (50), their daughter Agami Chakraborty Prarthi (23), and their 12-year-old son Priyam Chakraborty. Their bodies were recovered from their home in the Machuapara area of Rangpur on Saturday.

Police said the victims’ faces had been burnt using an inflammable substance.

Two Suspects Arrested In Family Murder

Rangpur Metropolitan Police have arrested maternal cousins Siddhartha Das, 19, and Mugdha Das, 23, in connection with the killings.

Police said the incident took place late on Thursday night after the two men allegedly climbed onto the roof of the Chakraborty family’s two-storey house to consume yaba, a methamphetamine-based drug.

According to a report by The Daily Star, Ganapati heard noises from the rooftop and went upstairs to check. The suspects allegedly used a towel he was carrying to strangle him.

His wife followed him after hearing the commotion and was allegedly attacked and killed on the staircase.

Their daughter, Agami, also came out of her room to find out what was happening. Police said she struggled with the two men for several minutes before they allegedly strangled her with a rope.

The suspects then allegedly killed the couple’s 12-year-old son because they feared he could identify them.

Suspects Allegedly Spent Night Inside Victims’ Home

Police Commissioner Mohammad Abdul Mabud said investigators believe the two suspects remained inside the house overnight after the killings.

Prothom Alo reported that the men allegedly stayed in the house until the following day, leaving when the streets were relatively empty during Jummah, or Friday prayers.

During their stay, the suspects allegedly bathed inside the house and took dates and cucumbers from the family’s refrigerator and ate them. Police also found evidence suggesting that the men consumed drugs inside the house.

The accused allegedly opened cupboards and drawers and scattered clothes and other belongings around the home before leaving, apparently in an attempt to mislead investigators and make the incident appear to be a robbery.

Gold Jewellery Allegedly Stolen

Police said the suspects also allegedly stole gold jewellery from the house. The jewellery has since been recovered.

Investigators reportedly found evidence suggesting that the accused had attempted to test a gold bangle by exposing it to fire.

Siddhartha reportedly runs a fish business, while Mugdha works as a goldsmith.

Police said both suspects have confessed to the killings following their arrests.

DNA Evidence Being Examined

Investigators are continuing to examine evidence recovered from the house. Police are conducting DNA testing using date pits seized from inside the property.

The investigation is focused on establishing the exact sequence of events, the motive behind the killings and the circumstances in which the two suspects allegedly remained inside the victims’ home after the murders.

The four bodies were recovered on Saturday, while police continue to examine forensic evidence and other material recovered from the crime scene.