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KHULNA, July 14, 2026 (BSS) – A couple arrested over the murder of physically challenged e-rickshaw driver Maruf Sardar, also known as Omar, has confessed before a court that they strangled him to death and buried his body in the backyard of their house after failing to make him unconscious with sedatives.

Murad Molla and his wife Falguni Khatun, alias Shova Moni, gave confessional statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure before Metropolitan Magistrate Ibrahim Khalil on Tuesday, admitting their involvement in the killing, police said.

According to investigators, the victim, who had lost a leg in a road accident and earned his livelihood by driving an e-rickshaw, was lured to Murad's residence on March 3.
 
The accused allegedly mixed sleeping pills with tea and served it to Maruf in an attempt to incapacitate him before stealing his vehicle.

When the sedatives failed to take effect, Murad allegedly strangled him with a rope while Falguni restrained his legs.

Police said the victim died about 15 minutes later. Fearing exposure, the couple buried the body in the yard of the house late that night instead of disposing it elsewhere.

Officer-in-Charge of Harintana Police Station Md. Helal Uddin said Maruf, a resident of Khulna's Khulishpur area, had been missing since leaving home with his e-rickshaw on March 3. His family later filed a general diary with Khulishpur Police Station.

During the investigation, police learned that Falguni had become acquainted with Maruf shortly before the murder and, together with Murad, allegedly planned to kill him and seize his e-rickshaw. Investigators said the vehicle was later dismantled and sold in parts.

The murder came to light after a domestic dispute between the couple. According to police, Falguni disclosed the crime while filing a complaint against Murad following an alleged assault on her.

Police subsequently detained both suspects and recovered the victim's skeletal remains from their house compound.

A murder case has been filed with Harintana Police Station by the victim's sister, Lina Khatun.

Investigating Officer Md. Mamun Hossain said both accused admitted their involvement before the court on Tuesday. The court later ordered that they be sent to jail.

The victim's remains were sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination before being handed over to the family for burial.