Man accused in 14 cases hacked to death in Jashore; one held

A man accused in 14 cases, including murder and drug-related offences, was hacked to death in Jashore yesterday (22 July), with police detaining a suspect over the killing.

The deceased was identified as Shariful Islam Jitu, 35, son of Sirajul Islam and a resident of Mollapara in Jashore's Barandipara area.

The detained suspect, Suman Mia, is from the same neighbourhood and is also accused in at least 11 cases, police said.

Confirming the incident, Jashore Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations) Mirajul Islam said Jitu was a known criminal in the area.

"The incident appears to have stemmed from previous enmity," he added.

According to locals, the attack took place around 11pm at Phultala intersection in Barandipara, where unidentified assailants allegedly hacked Jitu and left him critically injured.

After locals called the national emergency service 999, Kotwali police reached the spot, rescued Jitu and took him to Jashore 250-bed General Hospital.

Dr Kazi Masum Reza of the hospital's emergency department said police brought Jitu to the hospital around midnight. As his condition deteriorated, doctors provided initial treatment and referred him to Dhaka for advanced care.

However, he died while being taken to Dhaka after reaching Narail early today.

His body was later brought back to Jashore General Hospital and kept at the morgue.

Police have recovered a machete and a knife allegedly used in the attack, the additional SP said.

Responding to a question, the police official said they had received an allegation that Jitu was attacked while attempting to rape Suman Mia's wife.

"The allegation is being investigated," he added.