Prime Accused in ‘Paper Sani’ Murder Case, Russell, Arrested

Pallabi police have arrested Russell, the prime suspect in the murder of the infamous drug dealer and juvenile gang leader Rakibul Hasan Sani, also known as ‘Paper Sani’. Russell had long been accused of involvement in drug trafficking, terrorism, and gang-related violence. A special law enforcement team apprehended him during a late-night raid on Monday, acting on a tip-off. According to police, Russell has partially confessed to his involvement in the murder during preliminary interrogation. Based on information provided by him, raids are ongoing to capture other suspects. Drug Turf War Behind Paper Sani’s Murder

On the morning of June 10, the body of Paper Sani (25) was discovered in front of a mosque in Block B, Section-11 of Pallabi, Dhaka. His hands were handcuffed, feet tied with a cloth, and his throat was slit. Upon receiving the report, Pallabi police recovered the body. From Newspaper Vendor to Gang Leader Rakibul Hasan Sani earned the nickname ‘Paper Sani’ during his time as a street newspaper vendor. However, he later became involved in drug dealing and led a juvenile gang. He had five drug-related cases filed against him in various police stations, including Pallabi and Mirpur.

Premeditated Murder Sani’s mother, Rozina Begum, stated that he had come to visit Mirpur with his wife and child during the Eid holidays. On the night of June 9, the prime accused Langra Rubel and his associates called Sani and lured him out. He went missing that night, and the next morning, his body was found. She alleged, “My son was driven around in a microbus, had his hands and feet tied, and was brutally murdered by having his throat slit with a sharp weapon. All of the killers are known local drug dealers.”

Accused in the Murder Case

The murder case filed with Pallabi Police Station names the following individuals:
    •    Russell (arrested)
    •    Rubel alias Langra Rubel (35)
    •    Boma Kallu (34)
    •    Swapon (22)
    •    Associates: Jinda (23), Taan Akash (24)

All of them are listed by police as drug dealers and criminals.

History of Violence and Gang Rivalry In March of last year, a youth named Faisal — a member of Paper Sani’s group — was killed in a turf war involving drugs and gang rivalry. He was murdered by the rival Rabbi group, and footage of the attack went viral on social media. Since then, despite going underground, Sani had continued operating his drug business. Speaking to The Daily Tribunal, Officer-in-Charge of Pallabi Police Station, Shafiul Alam, confirmed that Rozina Begum, mother of the deceased, filed a murder case naming several suspects. Among them, the main accused Russell has been arrested, and operations are ongoing to apprehend the rest.