Cumilla: Police recovered nine packets containing the dismembered body parts of a 55-year-old landlady from behind her house in Debidwar municipality on Saturday evening. The deceased was identified as Farida Begum, wife of Mofizul Islam Bhuiyan, residing in Mohna Residential Area in Chhota Alampur within the municipality. Farida had been reported missing by her family since Saturday morning.

According to United News of Bangladesh, family members, after failing to locate her, made announcements over a loudspeaker in the area. Later that afternoon, Farida’s nephew Mamun discovered several sacks and packets behind the house. Upon closer inspection, he found parts of a dismembered body, prompting them to inform the police.

Police from Debidwar Police Station arrived at the scene and recovered the body parts, which were wrapped in polythene. They detained Laily Begum, a 35-year-old tenant of the house, for questioning. Officer-in-Charge Md Moniruzzaman stated that nine packets containing dismembered parts of Farida’s body were found, but her head and legs were still missing. Laily was questioned and named four other individuals. During preliminary questioning, Laily allegedly admitted to involvement in the killing, though police are still verifying her statement and investigating possible involvement of others.

The motive for the killing remains undetermined. The recovered body parts have been sent to the hospital morgue for autopsy. Local sources noted that Laily had rented a room in Farida’s house about eight days prior, having moved from Chapanagar village in the Debidwar municipal area. Her husband, Abul Kalam, is employed aboard a ship in Chattogram. Additionally, Laily was previously accused in a 2021 murder case involving a child’s death and was released on bail. Police have yet to establish any connection between that case and the current incident.