An unsettling discovery near the Bangladesh–India border has left both residents and authorities searching for answers after an unidentified man’s body was recovered from a border-adjacent lake in Jessore. The incident, which unfolded on Friday morning, has triggered a wave of speculation due to the absence of visible injuries and the presence of unexplained details.
Police confirmed that the body was found in the Gadadharpur baor, an oxbow lake near the Mashila border area of Chougachha. Locals reportedly noticed the body floating in the water shortly after sunrise and wasted no time in contacting the police.
Upon retrieval, officers estimated the man’s age to be around 35. Despite being unidentified, the deceased was not entirely without belongings. A gold chain and a mobile phone were found on his person, ruling out immediate suspicion of theft or mugging. This detail has deepened the mystery, as valuables are often missing in cases involving foul play.
According to Officer-in-Charge Rezaul Karim, the body showed no signs of external injury. “There were no marks of violence anywhere on his body,” he said. “However, what stood out was the mobile phone tied to his head with an orna. This is not something we commonly see.”
The geographical location of the incident adds another intriguing dimension. The baor is split between Bangladesh and India, making it a sensitive and closely monitored zone. Police believe the man may have been attempting to cross the border through the lake, possibly under cover of darkness.
December is known for cold nights in the region, and authorities suspect hypothermia could be a factor. “Since there are no injury marks, we are initially considering cold exposure as a possible cause of death,” the officer explained. “Still, we will rely on the post-mortem report for confirmation.”
The body has since been sent to the morgue, where forensic experts will conduct a detailed examination. Investigators are hopeful that the mobile phone may provide vital clues, such as call records or contacts, that could help identify the deceased.
The discovery has created unease among local communities, particularly those living close to the border. Many residents fear that such incidents may point to increased risks associated with illegal crossings or unsafe travel routes used by desperate individuals seeking opportunity across the border.
Some villagers speculate that the man may have lost his way in the dark or underestimated the dangers of cold water. Others wonder whether fear of losing his phone led him to tie it securely, a decision that ultimately proved futile.
Police have urged the public to come forward if they recognise the description of the deceased or have any relevant information. They are also reviewing missing person reports from surrounding areas and may contact border authorities if needed.
As the investigation continues, the silent waters of the border lake conceal a tragedy that underscores the human cost of border crossings and the unpredictable dangers they carry. For now, the identity of the man — and the full story behind his final moments — remains unknown.