Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested fugitive suspect Sukanta Dutta in connection with the murder of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif, who was killed during a violent protest at the Chattogram court premises in November 2024. The arrest was made on Friday afternoon from the Nilachal Joint Farm area under Bandarban Sadar Police Station through a joint operation by RAB-7 Chattogram and RAB-15 Cox’s Bazar units. Dutta, aged 30, is a resident of Anwara upazila in Chattogram.

According to RAB, Alif was attacked and killed with sharp weapons by a group of followers of expelled ISKCON leader Chinmoy Das after Das’s bail was denied in a sedition case. The murder sparked nationwide outrage, leading to protests, human chains, and a two-day work stoppage by the Chattogram District Bar Association. Alif’s father filed a murder case naming 31 individuals and several unidentified suspects.

Authorities say the arrest marks a major breakthrough in the investigation, with further legal proceedings underway. Security agencies continue to monitor other fugitives linked to the case.