Banana Theft Dispute Turns Fatal in Patiya, One Arrested

A 45-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death following a confrontation sparked by suspicion over the theft of bananas in Patiya upazila of Chattogram, police said. A young man has been arrested in connection with the incident, while law enforcement agencies are working to identify and apprehend others allegedly involved in the attack.

The victim was identified as Mohammad Toha, also known as Toha Munshi. He was the general secretary of the Patiya Munshi Samity and the son of the late Abul Bashar. Police arrested Mohammad Anwar Hossain, 29, in connection with the killing.

The incident reportedly took place at around midnight on Friday, 31 July, in the Monaf Hajipara area of Ward 6 in Habilasdwip Union, Patiya.

According to local residents and police sources, Toha was standing in front of his home when he noticed Anwar Hossain allegedly moving around the neighbourhood in a suspicious manner. Toha reportedly questioned him about the alleged theft of bananas from a tree. What began as a verbal exchange soon escalated into a heated argument between the two men.

Police said an allegation had been made that Anwar subsequently became angry and brought several others, including family members named as Babul, Ehazhar Mia and Saddam. They allegedly arrived carrying sticks and attacked Toha. He was reportedly beaten repeatedly and sustained serious injuries before the attackers left the scene.

Local residents later rescued Toha in a critical condition and rushed him to Patiya General Hospital. The attending doctor declared him dead after his arrival.

News of the incident quickly spread through the area, triggering tension among local residents. Police officers went to the scene and took steps to bring the situation under control. An investigation was also launched to determine how the confrontation developed and who was directly involved in the alleged assault.

Mohammad Mahbub, a sub-inspector at Patiya Police Station, confirmed the incident and said police conducted an operation on Friday night after receiving information about the killing. Anwar Hossain, described as the principal accused, was arrested during the operation. Efforts are continuing to locate and arrest the other alleged participants.

The victim’s body has been sent to the morgue at Chattogram Medical College Hospital for post-mortem examination. Police said the autopsy report is expected to provide further information about the exact cause of death and the nature of the injuries sustained by Toha.

A murder case was in the process of being filed at Patiya Police Station, according to law enforcement officials. Once the case is formally registered, investigators are expected to examine the role of each person allegedly involved and take legal action based on the evidence gathered.

The incident has also raised concern among residents over the potentially deadly consequences of disputes arising from suspicion and minor allegations. Legal experts and law enforcement authorities routinely stress that even when someone is suspected of theft or another offence, members of the public have no legal right to take punishment into their own hands. Allegations must be investigated through lawful procedures, while questions of guilt and punishment are determined through the justice system.

Police said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the confrontation, the precise cause of Toha’s death and the individual roles of those allegedly involved in the assault. Until the investigation and judicial process are completed, the allegations against the accused remain subject to legal scrutiny.