Suspected cattle thief killed, 3 injured in Bagerhat mob beating

One suspected thief was killed and three others injured in a mob beating after locals obstructed an alleged cattle theft attempt in Morrelganj upazila of Bagerhat today (24 October).

The deceased was identified as Md Matiar Rahman, 45, of Chargram area in Bagerhat. And the injured were identified as Md Ruman Hawlader, 38, of Bhaga Bazar area in Kachua upazila; Md Asadul Sheikh, 40, of Chakuli village in Fakirhat; and Md Jony, 38, of Arpara village in Fakirhat.

"The incident took place at Balbhadrapur village of the upazila in the early hours of today when a group of men came with a pickup truck to steal cows," said Sub-Inspector (SI) Bhabotosh Chandra of Morrelganj Police Station.

SI Bhabotosh said, "One person has died and three others were injured in the mob beating. Police visited the spot, and the situation is now under control. The injured are being treated under police custody. An investigation into the incident is underway." 

Quoting the locals, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of the Mohishpura Police Camp, Md Talebullah, said, "The gang arrived at the village around dawn in a mini truck to steal cattle. Sensing their presence, villagers chased them, during which the pickup lost control and fell into a roadside ditch."

"The locals then caught four members of the gang and beat them up, leaving them critically injured. They were later rescued and taken to Morelganj Upazila Health Complex, where on-duty doctors declared Matiar Rahman dead," he added.

Dr Mufti Kamal Hossain, the upazila health and family planning officer, said, "Matiar was already dead when brought to the hospital." 

"The condition of the remaining three is also critical," he added.