A fatal incident in Feni has tragically claimed the life of 16-year-old auto-rickshaw driver Shanto Kumar Saha. The teenager was run over by a moving vehicle following a confrontation with suspected robbers attempting to seize his rickshaw. The incident occurred on Sunday, 8 March, at approximately 7:30 p.m. local time on the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway in Lalpol.
Shanto, a resident of Hakdi village in Bali Gaon Union, Feni Sadar Upazila, was the son of Kanu Kumar Saha. Eyewitnesses reported that Shanto had been stationed near the Miazi Filling Station in Lalpol, attending to a passenger’s belongings shortly before iftar.
Sequence of Events
According to eyewitnesses, around half an hour later, unidentified assailants approached Shanto and attempted to rob him. He was physically assaulted and pushed under a culvert beside the highway. Upon emerging, Shanto reportedly pursued the attackers, who then shoved him onto the road, where he was struck by a moving vehicle and killed instantly.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Shanto Kumar Saha, 16 |
| Location | Lalpol, Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, Feni |
| Time of Incident | 8 March, ~7:30 p.m. |
| Cause of Death | Run over by moving vehicle after assault |
| Vehicle Involved | Auto-rickshaw (robbed), other vehicle unspecified |
| Police Response | Body recovered by Feni Model Thana, sent to Feni General Hospital morgue |
Family members described the heart-wrenching aftermath. Shanto’s cousin, Bipul Das, stated that when the family could not reach him by phone, they began searching for him. They were later informed of the incident by another auto-rickshaw driver and discovered Shanto’s body at the scene. Das noted that CCTV footage from the area surrounding Miazi Filling Station could help identify the perpetrators.
Shanto’s cousin, Nipa Rani Das, added that she had seen him near the filling station with several passenger bags and a man standing nearby. She believes the robbers exploited the relatively quiet moment before iftar to target Shanto and seize his vehicle.
Feni’s Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle), Nishat Tabassum, confirmed that the body was recovered and sent to Feni General Hospital morgue. She emphasised that the robbery and resulting death are being investigated as a priority, with detailed findings to be released upon completion.
Authorities have highlighted the gravity of the case and promised a thorough investigation to bring the culprits to justice. The incident has left local residents shocked and grieving, raising renewed concerns about public safety along major highways.