A teenage schoolgirl was found murdered in an empty house in the capital’s South Banasree area on Saturday afternoon, police said.

The victim was identified as Fatema Akter Lili, an SSC examinee this year.

Her body, bearing injuries caused by a sharp weapon, was recovered from a tin-shed house near the 10-storey building area of South Banasree after police were informed by locals, said Md Shafikul Islam, officer-in-charge of Khilgaon Police Station.

“Initial evidence suggests she was attacked with a sharp weapon. It appears she was alone at home when the incident took place,” the OC added, saying that the circumstances are being verified.

Harunur Rashid, deputy commissioner of DMP’s Motijheel Division, said no other family members were present at the time of the incident. One of the victim’s sisters had gone to a gym when the murder occurred.

According to police, the family is involved in a hotel business. There are ongoing legal disputes over land and the hotel property, and most of the family members currently live at their village home in Habiganj.

Law enforcers said they are investigating possible motives behind the killing and are speaking to relatives and neighbours. The body has been sent for autopsy.