A case of alleged murder and robbery involving hired agricultural labourers has caused widespread concern in Chandina upazila of Cumilla, Bangladesh, where a 65-year-old woman was found dead after being reportedly strangled and her valuables stolen.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on Saturday (2 May) in the Alipur area of Suhilpur Union. The deceased, Shamirun Begum (65), was the wife of Abdul Baten, a resident of the same village.
According to her son, farmer Bashir, he had brought four labourers from the Cantonment market on Monday to assist with harvesting paddy at their home. He stated that one of the workers allegedly fled the previous day in the afternoon after stealing a mobile phone. Following the incident, the remaining labourers reportedly claimed they would recover the stolen device and continued staying at the residence.
Bashir alleged that during the night, the labourers tied up his mother and strangled her to death. After the killing, they allegedly looted approximately 70,000 Bangladeshi Taka in cash along with gold ornaments worn by the victim, including items from her nose, ears, and neck. He further stated that the perpetrators fled the scene after committing the crime.
In the morning, Bashir discovered his mother’s body after attempting to wake her. He also noted that from the beginning, the hired workers appeared reluctant to perform their duties, and their behaviour became increasingly suspicious following the alleged mobile phone theft incident.
Police from Chandina Police Station responded to the scene after being informed of the incident. Inspector (Investigation) Mizanur Rahman confirmed that officers conducted an on-site examination and prepared a preliminary inquest report. The body was later taken into police custody for further procedures.
Authorities have stated that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those involved in the incident. An investigation is ongoing, and legal action will be taken once the inquiry is completed.
Summary of Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Shamirun Begum (65) |
| Residence | Alipur village, Suhilpur Union, Chandina, Cumilla |
| Date & Time | Saturday, 2 May, around 1:00 a.m. |
| Alleged suspects | Four hired agricultural labourers |
| Initial assignment | Harvesting paddy fields |
| Alleged motive | Robbery following mobile phone theft incident |
| Reported losses | ~70,000 BDT and gold ornaments (nose, ears, neck) |
| Police action | Scene inspection, inquest report prepared, investigation ongoing |
The incident has drawn significant attention in the locality, with law enforcement continuing their investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the death and to locate those responsible.