These three suspects were arrested after going into hiding following the fall of the government. During interrogation, their mobile phones were seized. Subsequently, a court application was filed by the investigating officer seeking permission to conduct forensic testing on the phones. As a result, seven mobile phones used by the suspects were sent to the CID forensic lab for analysis.
Among the phones are three devices used by Palak, and two each used by Tuku and Soikat. However, investigators have declined to share any details about the forensic reports.
Forensic testing allows the recovery of deleted digital data, such as images, videos, text messages, and documents, from mobile phones and other digital devices. According to the Evidence Act of 2022, digital information is now accepted as crucial evidence in judicial proceedings.
According to case documents, seven phones seized from the suspects in the Kamal Mia murder case, filed on July 20 at Paltan Police Station, were sent for forensic analysis. The investigating officer, DB Inspector Abdullahel Bakir, noted in his application that the phones should be examined to identify any links between the suspects and other individuals involved in the killing.
The seized phones include a number of high-end devices: an iPhone 15 Pro and two Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultras used by Palak, a Nokia feature phone, a Samsung Galaxy M14, and two other phones used by Tuku and Soikat – an iPhone and a Docomo 5G model.
Investigators have revealed that when the student movement escalated in July, Sheikh Hasina became anxious and frequently contacted former ministers, MPs, and top law enforcement officers by phone. She directed the imposition of nationwide internet shutdowns and launched special "block raid" operations. However, these measures failed to suppress the protests, leading to her alleged order for indiscriminate firing.
Sources indicate that during this time, Sheikh Hasina communicated with former ICT Minister Palak several times about the internet shutdown. She also reportedly sent special messages to Tuku and Soikat, using various messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Viber.
A police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that after the fall of the government, the suspects went into hiding and deleted all data from their phones, including deleting messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Viber. As a result, the phones were initially found to contain no recoverable data. Later, a request for forensic testing was filed in court, which was subsequently approved.
The police's application emphasized the need to recover all relevant communication records, including the full history of messages exchanged between the suspects and Sheikh Hasina, as well as any media files such as photos, videos, and audio clips. The investigation also seeks to uncover any deleted or archived data, discussions related to the internet shutdown, messages, and communications through encrypted apps and email.
When contacted for comment, investigation officer DB Inspector Abdullahel Bakir stated that the matter is confidential, and forensic testing is ongoing. The information gathered will be included in the final report (charge sheet) once the analysis is complete.
Regarding the importance of digital evidence in the trial process, Advocate Ehsanul Haque Shomaji, advisor to the special prosecutorial team formed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, said, "The digital data stored on these devices is extremely significant for the investigation of the July murder case. If this data is found to be linked to the case, it will be considered material evidence during the trial."
As the investigation progresses, the forensic reports could play a pivotal role in determining the involvement of key political figures in the tragic events that unfolded during the July protests.
