In a gruesome murder that has sent shockwaves across Tripura, six individuals have been remanded to police custody for three days in connection with the brutal killing of 26-year-old Shariful Islam on Thursday.

His decomposed body was discovered stuffed inside a freezer on June 11 in Gandacherra, Dhalai District — two days after he was reported missing.

The Chief Judicial Magistrate of West Tripura District approved the police’s request for remand during a court hearing on Wednesday. Public Prosecutor Bidyut Sutradhar told reporters that the accused were presented before the court earlier in the day, and the remand was granted to facilitate further investigation.

According to police, initial findings indicate that Shariful Islam was murdered in cold blood, and his body was deliberately hidden in an attempt to cover up the crime. The motive behind the murder is still unclear, and investigators are now questioning the accused to determine whether others were involved.

The heinous nature of the crime has triggered a wave of public anger. Hundreds of locals staged protests at the New Capital Complex police station, demanding swift and exemplary punishment for the perpetrators. Demonstrators also gathered outside the West District and Sessions Court, raising slogans and calling for justice for the victim.

Police said that detailed interrogation is currently underway to establish the full sequence of events and uncover the motive behind the chilling crime.