A shocking incident in Mymensingh has left the local community reeling after a college student drowned following an altercation with a group of minors. The incident occurred on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, where two students from Anand Mohan College had gone for a leisurely outing, only to fall victim to a local “teen gang.” While one of the students managed to swim to safety, the body of 26-year-old Nurullah Shawon was recovered on Friday night.
Shawon, a third-year student in the Department of Chemistry at Anand Mohan College, hailed from Char Jakalia village in Kotiadi Upazila, Kishoreganj. Authorities have confirmed that six juveniles were arrested in connection with the case. Following court proceedings, one minor was sent directly to a juvenile correctional facility, while the remaining five appeared before the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s Court in Mymensingh on Sunday evening. Two of these minors, aged 14 and 15, gave detailed confessions regarding the events leading up to Shawon’s death.
Court Confessions and Police Account
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) Abdullah Al Mamun, the two students were confronted by the group of juveniles while walking along the riverbank. “The gang questioned the students about why they were at the river. When they explained that they were simply out for a walk, the gang demanded that they hand over all valuables,” the officer told reporters.
Shawon reportedly carried only a basic mobile phone, while his friend had a smartphone. Upon refusal, the gang allegedly began physically assaulting the pair. Both students attempted to flee, with Shawon’s friend escaping by swimming across the river. Shawon, who could not swim, ran along the riverbank with several gang members in pursuit. In a desperate bid to escape, Shawon jumped into the deep river, which had been dredged and was unusually deep at that point. Unfortunately, he drowned, as the gang members did not intervene to save him, claiming there was no time to pull him out. After witnessing him submerge, the minors fled the scene.
Arrested Juveniles
| Juvenile Identifier | Age | Court Decision | Current Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor 1 | 14 | Sent to Juvenile Correctional Facility | Mymensingh |
| Minor 2 | 15 | Sent to Juvenile Correctional Facility | Mymensingh |
| Remaining 4 minors | 14–16 (approx.) | Sent to Juvenile Correctional Facility | Mymensingh |
Additional Superintendent Mamun added that it remains unclear how long the gang had been involved in such criminal activities. None of the minors had any prior criminal record. They belong to a marginalised community. Following the court confessions, all six juveniles were placed in the juvenile correctional system for further investigation and rehabilitation.
The incident has prompted police and local authorities to increase vigilance along riverbanks and public spaces, particularly in areas frequented by young people, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.