NT Police charge 29-year-old with murder following Bangledeshi national death

Police have charged a 29-year-old man with murder after an international student was allegedly assaulted in his own home. The victim died in hospital.

A 29-year-old man has been charged with murder after international student Md Ishaqur Rahman died in hospital following an alleged assaulted in his own home on Wednesday morning.

The 23-year-old Bangladeshi national was found by his roommates who had woken to the sound of someone in their yard.

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey said on Thursday the housemates discovered Mr Rahman on his bed with head trauma after an exchange with the alleged trespasser.

They rushed him to Royal Darwin Hospital, where he died on Thursday.

Police were called to the home and on the way saw a man sitting in a car near the scene, which they believed to be suspicious.

The arrest was made less than an hour after the incident.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Sachin Sharma confirmed the cause of the death was a traumatic brain injury and the alleged offender had since been charged with murder, aggravated burglary and theft.

“The man who has been in jail since Wednesday has been charged and his police bail has been refused.

“He will appear in court on Monday while investigations are ongoing.”

Acting Assistant Commissioner Sachin Sharma as charges are laid for the murder of an international student.

Assistant Commissioner Sharma, who arrived in Australia as an international student himself 23 years ago, said the outpouring of support had been touching.

“It’s extremely important and has been a showcase of Australia’s mateship and coming together when hard times emerge,” he said.

“When you come here you come from a totally different world and everything’s so new and exciting and education, and then it’s not.

“Don’t be fearful, we, the police, are on your side, we are in the community, we live here too and our skin is in the game.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Paul Morrissey on ongoing investigations into a 23-year-old student being left in a critical condition following a home invasion. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Sergeant Morrissey previously confirmed the event appeared to be random.

“We’ve taken statements from the flatmates. They’re shocked and distraught, they’re all university students at CDU, which has provided them with accommodation and support services,” he said.

“This seems to be a random event, doesn’t appear to be a targeted incident.”