Teenager’s Death Sparks Deadly Revenge Attack in Sitakunda

A violent chain of events has unfolded in Sitakunda, Chattogram, following the alleged abduction, torture and killing of a 15-year-old boy, with an accused man later beaten and hacked to death by an angry mob.

The teenager, identified as Naim, was allegedly taken from his home and subjected to severe physical abuse before being left critically injured outside his family residence. He later died while receiving treatment. Following his death, residents reportedly tracked down Nurul Islam Iran, 45, who had been accused by the victim’s family of involvement in the alleged torture. Iran was subsequently killed in a mob attack, while his house and several structures allegedly used as his hideouts were vandalised and set on fire.

The incidents took place on Saturday night, 25 July, in South Bhaterkhil village under Muradpur Union of Sitakunda Upazila. Naim reportedly came from a financially disadvantaged family. Iran was the son of Nurul Haque, a resident of the same locality.

According to local sources and relatives of the victims, Iran had allegedly been involved in the illegal drug trade. The trouble reportedly began after some yaba tablets belonging to one of his associates went missing. The associate allegedly claimed that Naim and 20-year-old Emran had the missing drugs.

On the night of Monday, 20 July, Iran and several associates allegedly went to the homes of Naim and Emran and took the two young men away. Relatives later alleged that both were subjected to severe beatings. Naim was reportedly tortured with a sharp weapon, sustaining serious injuries to different parts of his body. He was allegedly left outside his home in a critical condition.

At the same time, Emran was also allegedly being beaten. His family members reportedly pleaded with Iran to spare his life and, according to their account, were asked for money. They alleged that Emran was released after the family paid 30,000 taka.

Both Naim and Emran were subsequently admitted to hospital. Naim died while undergoing treatment on Friday afternoon, 24 July. Emran remains under treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital, according to his family.

Naim’s uncle, Mohammad Faruk, described the teenager as a well-behaved boy from a poor family. He alleged that the missing yaba had been blamed on Naim and Emran and that the two had subsequently been taken away and tortured. He also claimed that Naim was abandoned in a severely injured condition outside his home.

Tensions reportedly escalated further during Naim’s funeral prayers on Saturday afternoon. Local residents said that around 5pm, an announcement was made over a loudspeaker protesting the alleged torture of the teenager. Shortly afterwards, Iran was accused of firing several blank shots, further inflaming the situation.

Later, announcements were reportedly made calling people from neighbouring villages to gather in the area. Local sources said residents from four villages subsequently searched for Iran and attacked him. He died in the assault.

The violence did not end there. Angry residents reportedly set fire to Iran’s house and vandalised between 10 and 12 structures allegedly used as his hideouts. The destruction has added another dimension to an already volatile situation, raising concerns over retaliatory violence and the dangers of vigilante action.

Sitakunda police station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Mohinul Islam said a case had been filed on Saturday over Naim’s death. He said that after the teenager’s funeral prayers, angry residents killed Iran and set fire to his house. Police also received information that 10 to 12 structures allegedly used as Iran’s hideouts had been demolished.

The case has now placed law enforcement authorities before two separate but interconnected investigations. The alleged abduction and torture that led to Naim’s death must be investigated, while the killing of Iran, along with the reported arson and vandalism, also require legal action.

The exact circumstances surrounding the incidents, including who participated directly in the attacks and whether the allegations of torture and extortion can be substantiated, will have to be established through investigation. Naim’s relatives and local residents have called for an impartial probe into the teenager’s death and for anyone found responsible for his alleged torture and killing to be brought to justice.

At the same time, the killing of the accused man by a mob underscores the growing tension in the area and the serious consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands. Authorities are expected to focus on restoring calm, preventing further violence and ensuring that all allegations are dealt with through due legal process.