Scrap trader Sohag, was killed on last Wednesday, over a business conflict involving the trade of stolen rural power cables, said Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

Additional Police Commissioner (Crime and Operations) of DMP S N Md Nazrul Islam came up with the development while speaking at a briefing held at the DMP Media Centre on Wednesday afternoon.

He at this time also shared details of the investigation.

In response to a question, he said that Sohag had been involved in buying stolen power cables for nearly 17 years. He allegedly operated under the protection of Pillu Commissioner, the nephew of former MP Haji Selim, during the tenure of the previous government. According to police, Sohag used to purchase the cables and supply them to aluminium factories.

After August 5 last year, he reportedly shifted his political alignment, which coincided with the emergence of another group becoming active in the same business. The police official said this situation created a division between the two sides, even though they were previously acquainted.

Nazrul Islam clarified that the conflict was strictly business-related. He said, “It is a personal business rivalry. The murder was not carried out to influence the election, embarrass the government, or serve any other political purpose.”

Police believe the rivalry and dispute over the lucrative trade in stolen power cables ultimately led to Sohag’s death.

MSK/