Bangladeshi MP Anwarul Azim Anar Murdered in Kolkata: Investigation Unfolds

On May 13, Bangladeshi MP Anwarul Azim Anar, 56, was brutally murdered and dismembered in a housing complex in Kolkata's New Town area. Anar, a three-time Awami League MP from Bangladesh's Jhenaidah 4 constituency, had come to Kolkata on May 12 seeking medical treatment. His body parts were later found in various locations, including a septic tank and the Bagjola canal.

The investigation into the pre-planned murder has seen significant progress, with three arrests made in Bangladesh. Indian police officials are also deeply involved in the case, working closely with their Bangladeshi counterparts. Kolkata Police Commissioner Alok Rajoria revealed that the missing complaint was filed by Anar's friend, Gopal Biswas, on May 18, leading to a painstaking investigation to trace Anar's last movements.

CCTV footage from Sanjeeva Gardens, the housing complex where the murder occurred, provided vital evidence. The footage showed Anar entering the flat on May 13, accompanied by two suspects, Faisal and Shimul Bhuniyan. Three others, including alleged honey trap Celesty Rahman, were waiting inside. Anar was reportedly rendered unconscious with chloroform and smothered to death within 15 minutes of his arrival. Later, two men were seen leaving the flat with a large turquoise trolley bag and multiple small plastic bags, suspected to contain Anar's chopped-up body parts.

On May 30, a team of divers, including local fishermen, was deployed to search for the remaining body parts in the Bagjola canal. The search was challenging because of the murky waters and low visibility. Despite these difficulties, the investigators managed to recover some body parts, which are pending forensic confirmation.

Why this matters: The murder of a Bangladeshi MP in India has significant implications for cross-border crime and cooperation between law enforcement agencies. The investigation's outcome may impact the safety of public figures and the effectiveness of joint efforts to combat crime.

The motive behind the murder remains unclear, but the investigation is ongoing. A three-member team from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) visited Kolkata to collaborate with the West Bengal CID. DMP Additional Commissioner Harun-or-Rashid stated, "We have made a lot of progress in investigating the case through collecting necessary evidences and digital data."

The Indian government is providing necessary support to Bangladesh in the investigation. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, confirmed, "Case of Bangladesh MP is under investigation. From our side, the government of India is extending necessary support to Bangladesh side."

The gruesome murder of Anwarul Azim Anar has shocked both Bangladesh and India, raising concerns about cross-border crime and the safety of public figures. The investigation continues, with law enforcement agencies from both countries working to uncover the full details and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Key Takeaways

• Bangladeshi MP Anwarul Azim Anar, 56, was murdered and dismembered in Kolkata's New Town area.
• Three arrests made in Bangladesh; Indian police involved in investigation.
• CCTV footage showed Anar entering flat with two suspects; later, body parts were found in septic tank and canal.
• Motive behind murder remains unclear; investigation ongoing with cross-border cooperation.
• Indian government providing necessary support to Bangladesh in investigation.