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A fifth-grade schoolboy was allegedly stabbed to death in Rangamati’s Jibtali area, after which a 22-year-old youth surrendered to police claiming responsibility for the killing.
The incident took place on Monday (August 17) at Headmanpara in Jibtali Union of Rangamati Sadar upazila. Police arrested the youth, Swapan Chakma, following his surrender.
The deceased was identified as Rupon Chakma, 12, son of Lakshmidhan Chakma of Bhajyatali village in Kaptai Union. He had been living at the home of Ashwini Kumar Chakma, his maternal uncle, in neighbouring Jibtali Union for his studies.
According to local residents, Swapan, son of Rimoy Lal Chakma, lived next door. At the time of the incident, no one from either family was at home except Swapan and Rupon.
Jibtali Headman Hitler Dewan said Swapan allegedly called Rupon into a room and stabbed him repeatedly in different parts of his body and neck, killing him at the scene. He then allegedly hid the body under a bed before going to police near the Kaptai naval camp and surrendering.
Additional Superintendent of Police (Kaptai Circle) Md Zahedul Islam said he was initially shocked after hearing Swapan’s confession. He then contacted the Jibtali headman and went to the scene with him, where police recovered the body and detained Swapan before handing him over to Rangamati Kotwali Police Station.
“Swapan does not appear to be mentally unstable. There may be some other motive or mystery behind the incident,” the police official said.
He added that, according to local residents, Swapan often mingled with young children and lived separately from his parents. Police also recovered Tk 10,000 in cash from his possession.
Rangamati Kotwali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Jasim Uddin said the body had been sent to the morgue of Rangamati General Hospital for autopsy.
A case was being prepared in connection with the killing.