Woman 'tricked, tortured' over theft suspicion in Shariatpur; five sued
Police says the victim was brutally beaten in an attempt to force a confession over a suspected theft.
Highlights
- Woman allegedly tortured over theft suspicion
- Victim forced to eat 'blessed' bread, police say
- Five sued over alleged assault in Shariatpur
- Woman hospitalised after severe beating
- Police launch drive to arrest the accused
A woman was allegedly tortured after being accused of theft in Shariatpur's Bhedarganj upazila, with police filing a case against five people over the incident.
According to the case statement, cash and gold ornaments were reported stolen from the house of Anwar Hossain Molla in Chhaygaon village. His neighbour, Nargis Begum, later came under suspicion over the alleged theft.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The complaint alleges that Nargis was forcibly taken from her home, made to eat bread blessed by a fakir and beaten with pipes and wooden sticks in an attempt to force her to confess.
She later fell ill and was admitted to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where she is undergoing treatment.
"I did not steal anything. They forced me to eat the bread and then beat me," Nargis said from her hospital bed, demanding punishment for those responsible.
Bhedarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abul Bashar confirmed the incident, saying police rescued the woman after receiving information.
"A case has been filed against five people, and efforts are underway to arrest the accused," he said.
The main accused, Anwar Hossain Molla, could not be reached for comment. He was not found at his residence and his mobile phone was switched off.
