Police recovered the decomposed bodies of three members of the same family from their home in Kachua upazila of Bagerhat on Tuesday, triggering alarm and shock among residents of the area.
The bodies were found at a house in West Chanderkola village under Rarhipara Union. The deceased have been identified as Ahad Howlader, 22, son of Abdaar Howlader; Monira Begum, 55, daughter of the late Rashid Sheikh; and Rashida Begum, 85, who was Monira’s wife.
The incident came to light after neighbours reportedly began noticing a strong and persistent foul smell coming from the house. As the odour continued for several days, local residents became suspicious and informed the police. Officers from Kachua Police Station subsequently went to the property and recovered the three decomposed bodies from inside the house.
Police said the condition of the bodies suggested that the deaths had occurred several days before they were discovered. Investigators have initially suspected that the three may have been victims of a planned killing, although authorities stressed that the precise circumstances surrounding their deaths have yet to be established.
The discovery has caused considerable concern in the locality, where residents are now seeking answers about what happened inside the house and why the deaths were not reported earlier. Police are examining the circumstances in which the victims were living, the condition of the residence and any available evidence that could help establish a timeline of events.
Senior police officials visited the scene after receiving news of the incident. Following the preparation of preliminary inquest reports, arrangements were being made to send the bodies for post-mortem examinations. Forensic findings are expected to play a key role in determining the causes and approximate times of death, as well as identifying any signs of physical assault or other injuries.
Investigators have begun working to uncover the circumstances behind the deaths and determine whether anyone was involved. Police are also expected to examine information from neighbours and other local residents as part of the inquiry.
Mahmud Hasan, an investigation officer at Kachua Police Station, told Kalbela that neighbours alerted police after noticing a strong smell coming from the house for several days. Police then entered the premises and recovered the three decomposed bodies.
He said investigators were initially treating the incident as a suspected planned killing, but the full circumstances would become clearer after the post-mortem examinations and further investigation.
Authorities said legal action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation and the post-mortem reports. The identities of those responsible, if the deaths are ultimately confirmed as homicides, will be established through the ongoing investigation.
