Tragic death of top-ranked student Sayed Munif Ahmed Shan prompts murder investigation after classmates arrested for ransom demands
Photo Collected
The body of 15-year-old Sayed Munif Ahmed Shan, a ninth-grade student at Chittagong Modern School, was recovered from the Patenga Sea Beach area in Chattogram last Saturday. The discovery followed a period of uncertainty for the family, who only received confirmation of his death on Monday evening.
Shan, a top-performing student who consistently held the first roll number since the sixth grade, had reportedly gone missing after heading out on Saturday morning to attend a coaching examination. Following the exam, he joined four classmates for an excursion to Patenga beach. According to statements provided to police by the accompanying students, Shan was swept away by strong currents while in the water. Terrified by the incident, the youths allegedly failed to report the tragedy immediately.
The investigation into the circumstances of his disappearance has taken a complex turn, as the victim’s family reported receiving ransom demands via phone after Shan went missing. In a desperate attempt to secure his release, the family transferred money to a designated account. However, it was later revealed that the student had already perished. Police have arrested the four classmates and are actively investigating the extortion attempt, including the origin of the phone number used for the ransom demands.
The loss of the student has deeply affected the academic community at Chittagong Modern School. Sumaiya Begum, one of his teachers, shared a poignant tribute on social media, recalling the final interaction she had with Shan. On August 10, Shan had completed his biology practical examination and subsequently inquired about his marks—a request his teacher noted was atypical for him. She revealed that she had been unable to grade his paper due to illness, leaving the assignment unfinished.
School principal Abdul Jalil described Shan as a modest, polite student who excelled academically and held a passionate interest in football. The institution has organized a prayer service for Wednesday to honor his memory.
Police officials, including Halishahar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kazi Muhammad Sultan Ahsan Uddin, confirmed that a case has been filed by the victim’s father. Law enforcement is currently scrutinizing the details surrounding the ransom payment, as the family indicated the funds were directed to a number traced to a resident in the Lohagara area. The investigation remains ongoing.
0%
0%
0%
0%
