Attempted rape accused beaten to death in Barishal

Locals have beaten to death an attempted rape accused in Barishal.

The incident happened on Rice Research Road area in Barishal city yesterday afternoon (15 march), said locals.

The deceased has been identified as Sujan Hawladar, 24, son of Monir Hossain from the area.

According to police, a case was filed against Sujan for allegedly attempting to rape a four-year old Yesterday (15 March).

On the same day, locals tied Sujan to a tree and beat him severely after learning about the case.

Contacted, Sub Inspector of Barishal Kotwali Police Station Md Miraz said, "We went to the spot after getting a call through 999 and took Sujan to hospital after rescuing him, where the on-duty doctors announced him dead."

"Basically, a mob was created who beat Sujan to death. We will investigate and take actions if anyone lodges any complaint at the police station," Miraz added.

Sujan's body has been kept at the morgue of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for autopsy, according to police.

Meanwhile, Sujan's family disclosed new information about his death.

According to the family of the deceased, Sujan was beaten to death by a local named Bacchu and his associates after Sujan's family members refused to pay Tk20,000 for "arbitration" of the attempted rape allegations.

Monir Hossain, the father of the deceased, said, "People from the room next to us brought allegations on Friday that my son had tried to rape a four-year old. Although police came to the spot, the victim's family did not lodge any complaint on that day."

"The victim's family lodged a case on Saturday noon. However, Bacchu, a shopkeeper in the area, asked for Tk50,000 on Friday night, saying that he will arrange an arbitration over the attempted rape allegation. As I did not have that much money, I told him I couldn't pay the amount. Bacchu then told me he could not assure Sujan's security," Monir added.

Monju Begum, Sujan's mother, said, "Bacchu came to me on Saturday noon and told me the case against my son will be dismissed and he will keep on living if I paid him Tk20,000. Bacchu termed the amount as the cost of an arbitration. When I asked him where will I get the money, he said I was patronising my son."

"Around 4pm on that day, they took my son and beat him to death. Bacchu, a supporter of this government from ward no-24, and his associates tied my son to a tree and beat him to death," Monju added.

"If my son had done any crime, there were police to look after the matter. Why did you beat my son to death?" Monju questioned.

Rubel Hawladar, Sujan's elder brother, said, "Those who had lodged the case did not beat Sujan to death. Some other people who had targeted him beforehand have killed him. Sujan used to mix with the miscreants in the area and sell drugs. Although we brought him back from this path after much effort, the miscreants used to give death threats to Sujan and urged him to start selling drugs again."

"These boys got a chance after our neighbour lodged a case against us and killed him," Rubel added.

According to the on-duty staff of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, there were clear marks of merciless torture on Sujan's Body, while his testicles had been smashed by kicking and beating.