An eight-year-old boy was allegedly tied to a post and physically assaulted after being accused of stealing money from a shop in Madhupur, Tangail.
The incident reportedly took place on Sunday night in Gubodia village of Beribaid Union. A video showing the alleged abuse has since circulated on social media, drawing attention to the treatment of the child.
The boy, identified as Jihad, is a third-grade pupil at a local school. He has been living with his maternal grandparents after his parents left him, according to information from local residents.
Residents said Jihad had gone to the shop of a local man, Mofez Uddin, 60. The boy was subsequently accused of stealing money from the shop. Following the allegation, the shopkeeper allegedly began beating him in public.
The situation escalated when the child was allegedly tied to a post and subjected to further physical abuse. After receiving the news, Jihad’s maternal grandfather went to the area and, with assistance from local residents, rescued the boy.
Jihad was then taken to Madhupur Upazila Health Complex, where he was admitted for treatment. He remains under medical care, according to the information provided after the incident. Details of the extent of his injuries have not been disclosed.
The alleged assault was reportedly recorded on video. The footage later spread on Facebook and other social media platforms, bringing the incident to wider public attention. The circulation of the video has also intensified concern over the circumstances in which the child was treated.
A complaint was subsequently filed with Madhupur Police Station on Monday night, 28 September. Jihad’s maternal grandfather, Mofizul Islam, filed the case, naming Mofez Uddin as the accused.
Madhupur Police Station Officer-in-Charge AKM Fazlul Haque confirmed that a case had been lodged over the alleged assault. He said legal action would be taken against the accused following an investigation.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the theft allegation as well as the events that followed. Police will also need to establish what happened at the shop, how the child was restrained and assaulted, and who was present when the incident occurred.
An allegation of theft does not permit an individual to take the law into their own hands, particularly when the person accused is a child. Any allegation against a minor should be dealt with through the appropriate legal process rather than through physical punishment or public assault.
The case now remains under investigation, while the child receives treatment. The final determination of responsibility will depend on evidence collected during the investigation and the subsequent legal proceedings.
