Woman tied up, beaten on suspicion of autorickshaw theft in Ashulia

A woman was tied up and beaten by some locals on suspicion of autorickshaw theft in Ashulia's Palli Bidyut area on Tuesday morning.

The incident occurred around 11am near the Palli Bidyut stand area. 

When contacted, Dhaka District Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Md Asaduzzaman told The Business Standard that as soon as they learned of the incident, police from Ashulia Police Station were dispatched to the scene. 

However, upon arrival, they did not find the woman or anyone involved, nor could the locals provide any information to the police.

He said the police were sincerely investigating the matter, trying to identify the woman as well as those involved in the incident. 

Once detailed information is obtained, necessary legal action will be taken, he added. 

A 3-minute video of the assault later went viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion.

In the footage, a burqa-clad woman believed to be aged between 25 and 30 is seen lying on the road with her hands bound with a rope as several people stand around her. 

During the assault, she is heard pleading her innocence and begging bystanders for help. Some are heard asking whether she had stolen an autorickshaw. 

At one point, a man is seen dragging her by the rope into a nearby alley, where locals continue to question her.

A local resident who filmed the incident and requested anonymity told The Business Standard, "I was passing by the area in the morning when I saw a crowd gathered. When I approached, I saw a group of people beating a woman, accusing her of stealing an autorickshaw. I told them not to beat her, but they didn't listen. 

"I recorded a video and then left the spot. Later, I heard that the woman had been released."

Ashulia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdul Hannan also aid efforts were ongoing to trace the individuals seen in the video.