3 of a family killed in mob attack in Cumilla's Muradnagar

A mother and two adult children were killed, and another daughter was critically injured, in a mob beating in Cumilla's Muradnagar upazila this morning (3 July), following long-standing allegations of criminal activity and drug peddling against the family.

The incident took place at Koroi Bari village in the upazila, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bangra Bazar police station Mahfuzur Rahman confirmed the matter to The Business Standard.

The deceased are Roksana Begum Ruby, 53, her son Russel Mia, 35, and daughter Jonaki Akhter, 25. Ruby's other daughter, Ruma Akhter, 27, was critically injured in the attack.

"The bodies have been sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy," said Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammad Nazir Ahmed.

According to locals, the family had long been a source of public discontent due to widespread accusations of drug trafficking and other criminal activities. Tensions spiked recently after a school teacher's mobile phone was snatched, and the alleged mugger was reportedly sheltered by Ruby's family.

An arbitration meeting was held in the village on Tuesday to address the complaints. 

Meem Akter, wife of Russel Mia, said an argument broke out during the meeting, resulting in an assault on her mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and daughter. Although things seemed to calm down that night, tension remained high.

Yesterday morning, the situation turned deadly when Shimul Billal, chairman of Akubpur union, was inspecting road construction in the area. Locals said that during a discussion about the arbitration, Ruby allegedly attacked Chairman Billal and ward member Bacchu. This made the locals angry, and the situation quickly got out of control. 

"They came in a group of around 100 to 150 people, carrying bamboo sticks and knives," said Meem. "First, they threw stones and bricks at our seven-storey house. Then they entered and killed my mother-in-law."

"They also killed my sister-in-law, who had stepped outside to get breakfast. Finally, they found my husband hiding inside a closet and killed him too. He repeatedly begged for his life for the sake of his young child, but they didn't listen," she added.

"My father-in-law is missing. I will file a case against the murderers," Meem said.

A visit to the scene yesterday afternoon found shattered windows on the seven-storey house, bloodstains in several spots, and a broken motorcycle in the yard. A large crowd stood outside.

Police sources said the family had a history of criminal allegations, with five members named in a total of 43 cases — 30 of them against the three deceased.

Despite these allegations, SP Nazir Ahmed said, "Regardless of the allegations against the victims, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Legal action will be taken against those responsible for the lynching."

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern over the incident and called for a quick, fair, and exemplary trial.

ASK noted that such violent acts have been rising alarmingly in recent times. According to its data, at least 94 people were killed in mob beatings across the country between January and July 2025. These incidents are worsening the culture of fear, insecurity, and impunity in society.