The recovery of the body of a 42-year-old rickshaw puller from the Padma River in Rajbari has triggered widespread concern and speculation within the local community. The deceased, identified as Liton Khan, was recovered on Sunday morning at around 9:30 am from the river stretch adjacent to the Doctor’s Clinic area in Urakanda village under Barat Union of Rajbari Sadar Upazila.
According to officials, personnel from the river police retrieved the body after being alerted by locals. The discovery was initially made by a young man named Ismail, who had gone to the river for a morning bath. He reportedly noticed a body floating in the water and immediately informed nearby residents, prompting swift notification of law enforcement authorities. The river police subsequently arrived at the scene and recovered the body before sending it to Rajbari District Sadar Hospital morgue for a post-mortem examination.
The deceased, Liton Khan, hailed from Radhakantapur village in Barat Union. He was the son of Akkas Khan and earned his livelihood as a rickshaw puller, supporting his family through daily labour. His sudden disappearance and subsequent recovery from the river have left his family devastated and the locality in mourning.
His wife, Halima Begum, stated that Liton left home on Saturday evening with his rickshaw as part of his usual routine. However, attempts to contact him later that night proved unsuccessful. His mobile phone remained unreachable from around 10 pm onwards, and repeated calls at 11 pm and 2 am went unanswered, heightening concern among family members. A search was launched throughout the night, but no trace of him was found until the discovery of his body the following morning.
Police officials have indicated that the circumstances surrounding the death appear suspicious. Initial assessments suggest the possibility of foul play, with robbery or assault potentially linked to the incident. However, authorities have emphasised that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed following the post-mortem report.
Residents of the area have expressed alarm over what they describe as a gradual rise in petty crime and insecurity in recent months. Many have called for increased patrolling and stronger preventive measures along vulnerable riverbank routes frequently used by working-class commuters and transport workers.
Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that a full investigation is underway and that all possible angles, including accidental death, homicide, and robbery, are being thoroughly examined.
Incident Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of deceased | Liton Khan |
| Age | 42 years |
| Occupation | Rickshaw puller |
| Father’s name | Akkas Khan |
| Address | Radhakantapur village, Barat Union, Rajbari Sadar |
| Recovery location | Padma River near Doctor’s Clinic area, Urakanda village |
| Time of recovery | Sunday, approximately 9:30 am |
Authorities have assured that necessary legal steps will follow once the post-mortem findings are received, as the investigation continues to unfold.