The murder of 13-year-old Ishayat Shahriar Apratim has brought renewed attention to allegations surrounding a juvenile gang allegedly led by prime suspect Saiful Islam Tuhin, who local residents say had been involved in criminal activities long before the killing.
Residents of Sananda area in Cumilla Sadar South said Tuhin became involved in criminal activities during his teenage years. His family, however, has denied the allegations.
Police said the iPhone used by Apratim was recovered from Tuhin’s house and claimed that the teenager was killed after resisting an attempt to take away the phone.
Tuhin, a resident of Moishan Bari area in Sananda, is the eldest of four siblings. Locals said he was expelled from school while studying in Class 10 following allegations that he assaulted a classmate. He did not return to education afterwards.
Residents said Tuhin gradually became involved with a group of teenagers and young men after leaving school. The group allegedly maintained a presence around Cumilla University and the Kotbari area.
Locals alleged that members of the group were involved in harassing female students, intimidating visitors at the Kotbari archaeological site, extorting money, snatching and motorcycle theft.
“Even young men older than Tuhin used to join his gatherings,” said local resident Sabuj Hossain.
Several victims claimed that many people avoided reporting incidents to authorities out of fear.
A general diary was also filed against Tuhin at Sadar South Police Station over an alleged motorcycle theft. However, police did not provide any official statement regarding these previous allegations.
Former president of the Committee of Concerned Citizens Badarul Huda Jenu blamed both family and institutional failures for the rise of juvenile crime.
“Children, teenagers and young people do not become criminals overnight. Tuhin, Fahad and the other accused in the Apratim murder case did not become involved in crime in a single day. Long-standing family and social problems pushed them towards criminal activities,” he told TIMES.
He said preventing crimes was more important than taking action after incidents occurred.
“Without timely intervention, we may have to witness more horrific incidents in the future,” he warned.
Cumilla Police Superintendent Md Anisuzzaman said many members of juvenile gangs had been detained in recent months and legal action had been taken against them.
“But after coming out of jail, many become involved in similar crimes again,” he said.
He said it was impossible to eliminate juvenile gangs with limited police resources alone.
“Families, society, politicians and law enforcement agencies all need to play their roles,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tuhin’s five-room tin-roofed house was found locked from inside on Monday morning. His mother Shirin Akter was inside with her younger son, but neighbours declined to speak about the case.
Responding through a window, Shirin said she knew nothing about her son’s activities. However, the previous day she had told journalists that if her son was guilty, he should face punishment.
She said she handed over the iPhone to police after it was found hidden under a mattress at their house. She could not explain how the phone ended up there.
After Apratim went missing, police analysed CCTV footage from Cumilla University and nearby areas. Police said the footage showed Tuhin walking with Apratim before his disappearance.
Police later detained Tuhin for questioning and recovered Apratim’s iPhone based on information provided by him.
According to police, on the afternoon of 18 September, Tuhin took Apratim to an isolated forest area in Sananda of Lalmai Hills. When Tuhin tried to take away the phone, Apratim resisted. He was beaten during the altercation and later died, police said.
Four people have been arrested in connection with the murder. Two juveniles are being sent to a correctional facility, while three accused have reportedly given confessional statements before the court.
The killing has intensified concerns over security around Cumilla University and nearby areas.
University Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Amjad Hossain Sarker said, “The way Apratim was killed is highly condemnable. The local administration must take immediate steps to ensure the security of teachers and students around the university.”
He urged parents to remain alert about juvenile gangs and called on authorities to take legal action.
Cumilla Police Superintendent Md Anisuzzaman told TIMES that authorities were preparing a broader plan and list to conduct operations against juvenile gangs.
“Families need to become aware first, law enforcement agencies need to work and politicians also need to come forward. Only then can the influence of juvenile gangs be reduced,” he said.
