Police have arrested one Raju, who was seen in CCTV footage with the 15-year-old schoolgirl in Cox’s Bazar hours before her murder.

Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station conducted a raid and arrested Raju, 20, on Sunday night (October 11).

According to police sources, Raju’s alleged involvement came to light during the investigation into the murder of the seventh-grade student, with the help of information technology and inquiries.

How he was involved is not clear yet.

Earlier, the recovery of the victim’s body sparked widespread anger in the area over the shocking murder.

Her relatives and local residents have demanded a proper investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Earlier, a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver confessed to raping and killing the girl early Thursday, police said.

Additional Superintendent of Police Pankaj Barua disclosed this at a press conference at the superintendent of police’s office following the driver’s arrest.

The suspect, Sumon Mia, allegedly strangled the victim with a gamchha before raping her and then pressed her head into the mud with his foot to ensure she was dead.

The victim had hired the auto-rickshaw for 300 taka around 12:30am on Thursday.

Promising her a shorter route, he then drove to the crime scene.

When Sumon stopped the vehicle, the girl became frightened, tried to flee and screamed, after which he strangled her and then raped her, police said.

Sumon then also took an iPhone from the victim’s bag before fleeing to Chattogram.

Her father later identified the body after checking the live location his daughter had shared at 2:52am. A Lalmai police team was already at the scene.

Names and identifiers of the victim have been withheld to protect the identities of her and her family.