Three suspects have been arrested by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-11 in connection with the killing of college student Ashraful Islam in Raipur, Lakshmipur. The arrests were made late Friday night in Bhulta Gausia area of Rupganj, Narayanganj, and announced on Saturday by RAB-11 Noakhali Camp Commander Md. Muhit Kabir Serniabat. The detainees are Shakil Bepari, 23, Sohag Bepari, 19, and Moktar Patwari, 20, all residents of Charbanshi village under North Charbanshi Union in Raipur.

According to RAB, Ashraful, a final-year degree student at Raipur Rustam Ali College, was attacked on January 14 by local drug users and teenage gang members led by Nahid Bepari and Shahin Bepari. He was severely injured and later died while undergoing treatment in Dhaka. His father, Azizul Haque, filed a murder case on January 16 naming 11 accused and 16 unidentified persons. The attack reportedly stemmed from Shahin’s suspicion that Ashraful had informed police about his earlier drug arrest.

RAB stated that the arrested suspects have been handed over to Raipur police, and operations are continuing to capture others involved in the killing.