Rangpur: A Hindu family of four was killed inside their home in Rangpur, Bangladesh, after allegedly confronting two neighbours who had gone to their rooftop to consume yaba, a methamphetamine-based drug.
Two suspects arrested
Police have arrested maternal cousins Siddhartha Das, 19, and Mugdha Das, 23, in connection with the killings. The victims were identified as retired schoolteacher Ganapati Chakraborty, 65, his wife Pritilata Chakraborty, 50, their daughter Agami Chakraborty Prarthi, 23, and their 12-year-old son Priyam Chakraborty.
According to police, Ganapati went to the rooftop after hearing noises and was allegedly strangled with a towel. His wife was attacked on the staircase when she followed him.
Their daughter was also allegedly strangled after confronting the suspects. Police said the younger son was killed because the attackers feared he could identify them.
The bodies were recovered on Saturday, with police reporting that the victims’ faces had been burned with an inflammable substance.
Suspects allegedly stayed inside overnight
Police said the suspects did not immediately flee after the killings. They allegedly remained inside the house overnight and left the following day when the streets were relatively quiet during Friday prayers.
During that time, they reportedly bathed in the house, ate dates and cucumbers from the family’s refrigerator and consumed drugs. Police also said they scattered belongings around the house in an apparent attempt to mislead investigators.
The suspects allegedly stole gold jewellery and damaged the family’s mobile phones by placing them in water mixed with detergent.
Police have recovered jewellery believed to have been stolen from the house. Investigators are also examining date pits found at the scene for DNA evidence.
Both suspects have reportedly confessed to the killings, while further investigation is continuing.