The investigation into the murder of seven-year-old Nandini Ray in Aditmari upazila of Lalmonirhat is being conducted with a target to complete it within seven working days, police said.
Authorities have reiterated the timeframe, underscoring efforts to expedite the probe amid heightened attention on the case.
On Thursday afternoon, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu visited the victim’s home in Phalimari village of Aditmari upazila, where he met the bereaved family and expressed condolences.
He was accompanied by Members of Parliament and senior district administration officials.
During the visit, the minister assured the family of full government cooperation to ensure swift justice through proper legal procedures.
He described the killing as “barbaric” and said those responsible for such crimes “are not human beings but monsters.”
Referring to recent incidents of mob violence and vandalism of official vehicles, he said law enforcement agencies are neutral and those involved in such acts are criminals attempting to destabilise the situation.
He also directed authorities to ensure that no innocent person is harassed during the investigation.
The visiting official team included MPs Hassan Rajib Pradhan and Rokun Uddin Babul, District Council Administrator AKM Mominul Haque, Deputy Commissioner Rashedui Haque Prodhan, and Superintendent of Police Md Asaduzzaman, along with other officials.
Meanwhile, police said significant progress has been made in the investigation. The main accused, Bidhan Chandra Ray, 22, has given a confessional statement under Section 164 before a court. Following the confession, police did not seek his remand.
SP Asaduzzaman said law enforcement agencies are working to complete the preliminary investigation within seven working days. He confirmed that both the main accused and his father are currently in custody.
He added that it has not yet been confirmed whether the victim was sexually assaulted prior to the murder, and said this would be clarified after the post-mortem and medical reports are received.
During the visit, the victim’s home was seen engulfed in grief, with her mother repeatedly collapsing in mourning. Locals and relatives demanded swift and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
The child went missing on 15 June and her body was recovered the following morning from a maize field near her home, buried and wrapped in a sack.
Locals later identified Bidhan Chandra Ray, son of neighbour Ranjit Ray, as a suspect after he was seen near the field with a shovel. He was subsequently detained and arrested following the recovery of the body.
The situation turned violent after the incident became public, as enraged locals attempted to take the accused into custody, leading to clashes in which at least 30 people, including 18 police personnel, were injured.
Several government vehicles, including those of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, were vandalised.
Following the unrest, the Officer-in-Charge of Aditmari Police Station, Nazmul Haque, was withdrawn.
Police said two separate cases have been filed over obstruction of government duties, attacks on law enforcement, and vandalism.
Investigators are reviewing video footage and other evidence to identify those involved. Officials said the situation is now under control.
