Rejected advances led to brutal killing of Banasree girl, Rab says

Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) has arrested the prime suspect in the murder of school student Fatema Akter Nila, 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 Nila’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 today. Milon was arrested from Baro Singa in Bagerhat Sadar last night, he said.

Nila was murdered at 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 1:36 pm, leaving briefly with Nila’s sister, who went to the gym, then re-entering alone at 2:25 pm and departing at 2:43 pm.

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 Nila scolded him.

Milon went to the house the next day, carrying a nylon rope. “Taking advantage of the empty house, Milon once again made advances on her. When she refused, he tried to strangle her with the rope. During the struggle, as Nila tried to scream, Milon grabbed a boti from the kitchen and slit her throat.”

Rab said Milon admitted that he was a drug addict. His clothes from the day of the murder have been recovered.

Nila’s father, Md Sajib, has filed a murder case with Khilgaon police station. Rab confirmed Milon will be handed over tothe  police today.