A 55-year-old man has died in hospital after allegedly being beaten over accusations of fish theft in Tala upazila of Satkhira. Kshitish Chandra Mondal was reportedly detained and assaulted at a fish farm in the Jeala Uttar Khola wetland in the early hours of Friday, 16 October. He died while receiving treatment at around noon.
According to local sources, the incident occurred at around 3am at a fish farm owned by Biswanath Ghosh in the Jeala Uttar Khola government wetland. Kshitish was allegedly detained on suspicion of stealing fish. Around 15 to 20 people, including fish farm worker Gaffar, Biswanath Ghosh, Shimul Ghosh, Habibur Gazi, Ibrahim Khan and Samor Ghosh, were accused of taking part in the assault.
According to the allegations, Kshitish was struck on the head with a sharp weapon during the beating. He was also allegedly attacked with iron rods and hammers, leaving his arms and legs broken and causing severe injuries.
After learning about the assault, Kshitish’s wife, Sulekha Mondal, rushed to the scene. With help from neighbours, she rescued her husband and arranged for him to be taken to hospital.
Kshitish was admitted to Tala Upazila Health Complex at around 8am on Friday in critical condition. Despite receiving medical attention, he died at approximately noon.
Local witnesses, including Partha Mondal and Prakash Mondal, said Kshitish had sustained serious injuries to several parts of his body. They reported that both his arms and legs were broken and that multiple wounds, allegedly caused by a sharp weapon, were visible on his head.
Sulekha Mondal said she found her husband still able to speak when she reached the wetland. According to her, Kshitish identified several people who had allegedly taken part in the beating. Neighbours later helped her take him to the hospital, but he died while undergoing treatment.
Demanding justice, Sulekha called for those responsible for her husband’s death to be held accountable. The allegations have raised concerns about the use of violence in response to suspected theft.
Dr Sirajul Islam, a physician at Tala Upazila Health Complex, confirmed that Kshitish was admitted in a critical condition at around 8am. He said preparations were under way to transfer the patient to Satkhira Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment, but Kshitish died before the transfer could take place.
Tala Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Mohsin Ali confirmed the incident. He said arrangements were being made to send the body for a post-mortem examination and that legal action would be taken.
The circumstances surrounding Kshitish’s death, including the alleged assault and the roles of those named in the accusations, will need to be established through a police investigation. The post-mortem examination is also expected to help determine the cause of death. The allegations against the individuals named in the case have not yet been established in court.
