Gunfire in Gulshan: Internet Provider Teli Sumon Shot Dead

A case has been filed at Gulshan Police Station regarding the fatal shooting of Sumon Mia, also known as Teli Sumon (35), the owner of regional internet service provider "Priyojon." The case was lodged on Friday (March 21) by the victim’s wife, Moushumi Akhter.

Confirming the development, Gulshan Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Mahmudur Rahman stated, "Following the murder, police have collected CCTV footage from the surrounding area and are reviewing it. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved."

In her First Information Report (FIR), Moushumi Akhter alleged that her husband operated "Priyojon" in the Mohakhali TB Gate area, where he had business rivals engaged in internet services. She claimed that these rival groups had repeatedly issued death threats to Sumon. According to her, Sumon had expressed concerns about his safety on multiple occasions. Additionally, his involvement in several legal cases had caused disputes with various individuals.

According to the FIR, on March 20 at around 9:00 PM, Sumon was resting on a bench near Fazle Rabbi Park, northwest of Gulshan Police Plaza, when unknown assailants launched a premeditated attack. They fired indiscriminately at him, forcing Sumon to flee for his life. However, as locals gathered, the assailants escaped. He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), where doctors pronounced him dead.

CCTV Footage Reveals Chilling Execution

CCTV footage from Gulshan Police Plaza revealed harrowing details of the attack. Sumon was first engaged in a scuffle with the assailants on the sidewalk opposite Police Plaza. The attackers then shot him at point-blank range before he attempted to flee towards Gulshan 1. However, the gunmen chased him down, pressed a pistol to his head, and executed him in the middle of the road. Despite the bustling Eid shopping crowd, the attackers fled towards Merul Badda via the northern road of Police Plaza without resistance.

Police Investigation and Criminal Background

Sub-Inspector (SI) Maruf Ahmed of Gulshan Police Station reported that Sumon was taken to DMCH in critical condition, where he was declared dead at 11:00 PM. He had gunshot wounds to the head and the left side of his chest.

Authorities disclosed that Sumon had been released on bail just two weeks before his murder. He had a criminal record with at least five cases, including arms-related charges. According to SI Maruf Ahmed, Sumon was originally from Mithapukur, Rangpur, but lived in Vashantek, while running his business in Mohakhali TB Gate. He is survived by a son and a daughter.

Rivalry with 'Seven Star' Gang Suspected

The victim’s brother-in-law, Badsha, accused a local criminal syndicate, "Seven Star," of being involved in the murder. Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Gulshan Division, Al Amin Hossain, suggested, "He was widely known as 'Teli Sumon.' Initial investigations indicate that rival factions killed him due to internal conflicts."

Sumon’s wife, Moushumi Akhter, provided further details about a longstanding dispute with Seven Star gang leader Rubel, who operated a cable TV and internet business in Mohakhali. She alleged that in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rubel’s associates, Jamal, Sentu, and Afzal, cut Sumon’s internet lines and looted cables worth several lakh taka.

Following police intervention, Sumon managed to restore his service, but shortly after, Rubel’s men violently assaulted him at TB Hospital Gate, breaking both his arms. Despite filing a case at Banani Police Station, the perpetrators were not arrested and were later granted bail.

Over the years, Sumon continued facing multiple attacks from the same group, prompting him to relocate to Vashantek with his wife and children.

Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the murder and tracking the suspects.