3 bodies recovered from Teknaf hills; police suspect link to trafficking dispute
The bodies were found in the North Shilkhali area at around 10:30am today (21 April), police said
Police have recovered the bodies of three men from a remote hilly area in Teknaf's Baharchara union, with initial indications pointing to a possible dispute linked to kidnapping and human trafficking.
The bodies were found in the North Shilkhali area at around 10:30am today (21 April), police said.
According to police, one of the victims died on the spot, while the other two died on the way to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital after being rescued in critical condition.
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The deceased were identified as Robi Alam, son of Ruhul Amin; Mujib Ullah, son of Nurul Kabir; and Nurul Bashar, also known as Halani, son of Nurul Islam. All three were residents of Baharchara Shilkhalit village.
Teknaf Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saiful Islam said the victims were recovered in a bloodied state from the hills.
"It is initially suspected that the incident may have occurred centred around kidnapping and human trafficking. The matter is being investigated with importance," he said.
He added that there are allegations from locals about the victims' involvement in kidnapping and human trafficking, but these claims are being verified as part of the investigation.
Baharchara Union Parishad Chairman Amjad Hossain Khokon said the bodies bore marks of sharp weapon injuries and head wounds.
"It is initially assumed that the killings may have taken place over a dispute related to kidnapping and human trafficking," he said.
Ruhul Amin, father of one of the deceased, said his son had been called away at night by Mujib Ullah.
"In the morning, I heard that bodies were lying in the hills. I went there and found my son in a bloodied state. I do not understand why this happened," Ruhul Amin said.
A local woodcutter, requesting anonymity, said incidents of hostage-taking have recently been reported in the hills, with occasional sounds of shouting heard at night.
Locals said armed groups involved in kidnapping and human trafficking have long been active in the Baharchara hills, leaving thousands of residents in fear.
