Staff Reporter, Kishoreganj:
An 18-year-old youth was allegedly beaten to death in Bhairab Upazila of Kishoreganj over accusations of stealing ducks. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Kalipur Nayahati area of Bhairab municipal town.
The deceased, identified as Johnny Mia, son of Joynal Mia of Nayahati village, worked at a local jute sack shop.
According to locals, seven ducks were stolen from the house of Harun Mia, a neighbor, on Wednesday night. Suspecting Johnny’s involvement, some residents confronted and assaulted him around noon on Friday. However, Johnny’s family claimed he was not involved in the theft but had witnessed it and helped recover the stolen ducks. After returning home following the assault, Johnny began vomiting and later died on the way to Zahurul Islam Medical College Hospital.
Speaking to journalists, Johnny’s mother, Jamina Begum, said, “I have four children. Johnny was my only son. He was beaten under the leadership of Harun Mia’s son, Al Amin. They even forced rat poison into his mouth. My son died from the torture.” She added that Johnny had merely identified the thief, leading to the recovery of the ducks.
Al Amin, the main accused, is currently in hiding, and his statement could not be obtained. His mother, Maryam Begum, claimed, “Everyone believed Johnny was involved in the theft. After the ducks were recovered through him, he was fined two thousand taka. My husband and son helped bring Johnny home after the incident. No one from my family took part in any beating.” She also suggested that Johnny may have committed suicide.
Inspector Tofail Ahmed of Bhairab Model Police Station confirmed the incident, stating that Johnny’s body has been sent to Shaheed Syed Nazrul Islam Medical College Hospital (SSNIMCH) for autopsy.
