Slain couple's 10 children threaten suicide

PRABHAT KUMAR JHA

AKOLAWA: The 10 children of a couple who were allegedly killed by a close relative a few days ago have warned of committing suicide en masse if the murderer is not brought to book.

UCPN-Maoist Area Secretary Shekh Gafar and his wife Sahanaj Begum were allegedly killed by Gafar’s elder brother Shekh Mobarak in their home in Akolawa VDC over a land dispute on August 15.

Their four sons and six daughters, who have no where to go after the incident, today warned that they would consume poison if the government failed to punish their parents’ murderer.

“Our parents were killed on the same night they had bought everything required to celebrate Eid,” said Nasibun, one of Gafar’s daughters.

Nasibun’s siblings — Hashibul Khatun (18) Shekh Saabir (13), Shekh Sahid (12), Jashibul Khatun (10), Oshima Khatun (5) Shekh Awid (7), Halima Khatun (4), Salima Khatun (3) and five-month-old Majid — are still in shock after the incident, she said. “We don’t know how we will survive in the days to come. The family has no source of income now,” said Nasibun.

Gafar’s eldest daughter Hashibul said they were not safe. “Criminals visit our house at night and threaten us,” she said adding, “We have not slept for days due to fear.”

Shekh Sahid, one of the couple’s sons, said they sent their younger siblings Jashibul and Majid to their uncle’s place. “We have not filed an FIR at the District Police Office because of the threats we are receiving,” he said.

SP Thule Rai said three policemen have been deployed in their house at night to provide security. “We have held four people involved in the killing,” he said, adding, “Search for the others is on. Action would be taken against the culprits.”