A mentally ill young man was allegedly beaten with a wooden stick in Araihazar, Narayanganj, with a video of the assault later spreading widely on social media and triggering anger among local residents.
The incident reportedly took place at around 8.45pm on Friday (5 September) in the Jalakandi area of Gopaldi municipality in Araihazar upazila. The incident came to wider public attention on Saturday night after footage of the alleged assault was circulated on social media.
The victim has been identified as Liton, son of Ali Hossain of the same area. Locals commonly refer to him as ‘Liton Pagla’. According to his family, he sustained serious injuries in the assault and was taken to a hospital in Dhaka for treatment. They said one of his arms and both legs were broken.
The alleged attacker has been identified as Sumon, son of Mostafa Mia, who also lives in the area.
According to local residents, Liton has a mental health condition and generally survives by asking people for food. On Saturday, he reportedly approached Sumon’s mother and asked for rice. Sumon claims that Liton behaved improperly towards his mother during the encounter.
The alleged incident then escalated later that night. Sumon reportedly confronted Liton near a shop and attacked him with a large wooden stick.
Footage circulated on social media appears to show Liton lying on the ground while being repeatedly struck with the stick. He can be heard crying out for help as the assault continues.
Local residents said people gathered after hearing Liton’s cries, but no one intervened immediately because they were allegedly afraid of Sumon. Liton was eventually taken to hospital after sustaining severe injuries.
The circulation of the video prompted widespread reaction, with many people expressing outrage over the treatment of a mentally ill person. Several social media users called for the accused to be brought under the law and face appropriate punishment if found responsible.
The incident has also drawn attention to the vulnerability of people living with mental health conditions, particularly those who have limited family or social support. However, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the allegations made by both sides will need to be established through investigation.
Araihazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Sabzel Hossain said the video had come to his attention.
“We are investigating the matter and taking appropriate action,” he said.
Police are expected to examine the video footage and gather statements from those present in order to establish what happened and determine responsibility for the alleged assault.
