A local political figure in Rajshahi’s Mohonpur upazila has died in hospital after being brutally attacked during a dispute over irrigation water, in a case that has taken a highly unusual twist with the alleged assailant later filing a police complaint against the victim before going into hiding.
The deceased, Kamrul Hasan Mithu (40), was the general secretary of the Krishak League’s Jahanabad Union unit. He hailed from Korisha Durgapur village in Mohonpur upazila. He died on Saturday night at around 9:30 pm while receiving treatment at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Police have confirmed that the man who initially lodged a complaint at Mohonpur Police Station accusing the victim is now the prime suspect in the murder investigation.
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Dispute over irrigation escalates into violence
According to police and local accounts, the incident occurred on Friday afternoon while Kamrul Hasan was irrigating his agricultural land using a plastic pipe. During the process, the pipe reportedly burst, causing water to spill into a neighbouring onion field.
The field allegedly belonged to Saddam (28), who is also from the same village and is reported to be the nephew of the deceased. The unexpected water flow is said to have triggered a heated confrontation between the two relatives.
In a sudden escalation, Saddam allegedly attacked Kamrul Hasan with a sharp weapon, inflicting severe injuries. The wounded political leader was rushed by locals to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where he remained under medical care until he succumbed to his injuries.
Complaint lodged by accused before disappearance
In a development described by police as highly unusual, the accused later appeared at Mohonpur Police Station on Saturday evening and submitted a written complaint against Kamrul Hasan, alleging that he himself had been assaulted during the altercation.
Sub-Inspector Yamin Ali of Mohonpur Police Station confirmed that the suspect also presented visible injuries on his head while filing the complaint.
However, within hours of lodging the report, news of Kamrul Hasan’s death reached the authorities, prompting police to immediately reclassify the case as a murder investigation.
Saddam subsequently fled and has since gone into hiding. Police said he could not be traced despite searches in the locality.
Investigation and legal steps underway
Police have stated that a formal murder case will be filed against Saddam following the victim’s death. Law enforcement agencies have also launched efforts to apprehend him as part of an ongoing manhunt.
Sub-Inspector Yamin Ali confirmed that the body of Kamrul Hasan Mithu will undergo a post-mortem examination at the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital morgue before being released to his family for burial.
Authorities added that the investigation would carefully examine all aspects of the incident, including the familial relationship between the victim and the accused, which has added a further layer of complexity to the case.
Key details of the incident
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Kamrul Hasan Mithu (40) |
| Position | General Secretary, Krishak League (Jahanabad Union) |
| Location | Korisha Durgapur village, Mohonpur, Rajshahi |
| Suspect | Saddam (28), nephew of victim |
| Incident type | Fatal stabbing following irrigation dispute |
| Cause | Water overflow into onion field |
| Hospital | Rajshahi Medical College Hospital |
| Time of death | Saturday, around 9:30 pm |
| Police action | Murder investigation underway; suspect absconding |
The incident has left the local community in shock, particularly due to the familial relationship between the victim and the accused, as police continue efforts to locate the suspect and determine the full circumstances surrounding the fatal confrontation.