An 18-year-old disabled man died in Karnaphuli, Chattogram, after allegedly being tied up and beaten with a stick during a traditional healing ritual carried out on the advice of a local practitioner.
The deceased was identified as Said Mohammad Abdullah, son of Nur Mohammad Chowkidar and Jaheda Begum. The incident took place on Tuesday morning in the Dangarchar Ebabullah’s Baper Bari area of Ward 1 in Juldha Union, under Karnaphuli upazila.
Police said Abdullah died from excessive bleeding caused by the injuries he sustained during the beating. His father, Nur Mohammad, and mother, Jaheda Begum, have been detained in connection with the incident.
Nur Ahmad, officer-in-charge of Karnaphuli Police Station, confirmed the death. He said Abdullah was being beaten with a stick during a ritual intended to treat him, reportedly on the advice of a traditional healer, when he died.
The body was recovered and sent to the mortuary of Chattogram Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police said further legal action would be taken as the investigation progresses.
According to police and local residents, Abdullah had a disability and his family had previously sought advice from several doctors in an effort to improve his physical condition. When his condition did not improve, the family reportedly turned to a traditional healer for advice.
Following the practitioner’s instructions, family members allegedly tied Abdullah’s hands and feet inside their home on Tuesday morning. They then began striking him with a stick while carrying out the ritual. At one point, he suffered severe bleeding and subsequently died.
The identity of the traditional healer who allegedly advised the family had not been confirmed at the time of the report. Local residents said the person was believed to live in a hilly area around Barautthan-Shahmirpur in Karnaphuli.
Neighbour Mohammad Sakib said several residents saw Abdullah being beaten while his hands and feet were tied. They reportedly tried to intervene and asked the family to stop the assault.
The family’s response, however, was allegedly hostile. According to Sakib, the residents were rebuked and told not to interfere.
The incident has caused alarm in the local community, with residents expressing concern over the circumstances that led to the young man’s death. The case has also drawn attention to the dangers of using physically harmful practices as a form of treatment, particularly when a person is already in a vulnerable condition.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding Abdullah’s death, including the actions of his parents and the possible involvement of the traditional healer. The post-mortem examination is expected to provide further evidence about the injuries and the immediate cause of death.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the identity or whereabouts of the practitioner. Police said the investigation would determine the responsibilities of those involved and guide the next stage of legal proceedings.
