"Unethical relations" between the maid and two persons in exchange for money led to the Mirpur murders, according to the Detective Branch (DB) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP). At a press briefing at the DMP media centre, additional police commissioner (DB) Abdul Baten said yesterday (Thursday) that the accused, Yusuf and Ramzan, went to the old woman's house for "unethical work". After completing the process, the women demanded Tk. 6,000, but the accused had only Tk. 3,000. The accused were scared off with the threat that on their failure to pay the full amount they might not leave the place alive. Later, they confessed to killing the two women, said the officer.

On Tuesday, the police found two dead bodies of women in Mirpur-2 section. They were identified as those of Shahida Begum, 65, a housewife, and Sumi Akter, 15, her maid. On Wednesday, Rahima’s daughter, Rashida Begum, filed a murder case with Mirpur Model Police against unidentified assailants in connection with the murder. On Wednesday evening, a team from the DB Western Division arrested Yusuf (25) and Ramzan (22) from the Sadarghat area of the capital. Both work as masons.

Abdul Baten said during interrogation that the two men said that a man named Babul had sent them to the two women (Rahima and Sumi) in Mirpur last Monday (December 2).  According to the accused, Rahima demanded Tk. 6,000 for the unethical work. But at that time the accused had three thousand taka. One of the two arrested men (Yusuf) stayed in a room with Sumi all night. The other (Ramadan) was in the verandah.

Later, Rahima told them that she would inform the matter to Babul. To escape from the spot, Yusuf first killed Sumi on Monday night. Later, both of them killed Rahima. The APC said the accused also stole a mobile phone, Tk. 14,000 in cash, imitation chains, and an earring. Abdul Baten said the accused would be further questioned and the police are also searching for "Babul".

Rahima and her adopted son, Sohel, rented the flat six months ago. The owner of the flat is Abul Kashem. Earlier, the police detained Sohel for interrogation. According to family members, Kuddus Mia, husband of Rahima, lives in Jessore and their daughter, Rashida Begum, stays in Narayanganj with her family.