Prime suspect in Banasree murder arrested

Rab has arrested the prime suspect in the murder of school student Fatema Akter Nili, who was found dead at her home in Dhaka’s Banasree area.

The arrestee, Md Milon Mallick, 28, an employee at a hotel owned by Nili’s father, allegedly killed the 18-year-old for rejecting his advances.

Lt Col Fayezul Arefin, commanding officer of Rab-3, shared the developments at a press briefing at the Rab Media Centre in Karwan Bazar yesterday. 

Milon was arrested from Baro Singa in Bagerhat Sadar on Sunday night, he said.

Nili was murdered at her home, Pritom Villa, on January 10.

According to Rab, her parents and brother were away in Habiganj, leaving Milon responsible for delivering food. CCTV footage shows him entering the house at 1:36pm, leaving briefly with Nili’s sister, who went to the gym, then re-entering alone at 2:25pm and departing at 2:43pm.

Regarding the motive, the Rab official said Milon had been making advances on the victim for some time. The night before the murder, he made a similar proposal while delivering dinner, when Nili scolded him.

Milon went to the house the next day, carrying a nylon rope. “When Nili refused his advances once again, he tried to strangle her with the rope. During the struggle, as Nili tried to scream, Milon grabbed a kitchen machete [boti] and slit her throat.”

Milon would be handed over to the police, said Rab. 

Nili’s father, Md Sajib, has filed a murder case with Khilgaon Police Station.