A teenager has died and another has been found unconscious after two young men were allegedly abducted and subjected to severe beating and torture on suspicion of theft in Khetlal upazila of Joypurhat.
The incident took place in the Mahabbatpur Padmapukur area of Mamudpur Union. The deceased has been identified as 18-year-old Lal Badsha, son of Jamal of Alampur Adarsha Gram in Alampur Union. The other youth, 18-year-old Maidul, son of Ibrahim from the same area, was rescued alive and is receiving medical treatment. The two were reportedly friends.
According to police and local residents, the youths were found lying in the area on Saturday morning. After local people noticed them, police were informed. Officers from Khetlal Police Station subsequently reached the scene and found Lal Badsha dead, while Maidul was unconscious but alive. He was taken to Khetlal Upazila Health Complex, where he received initial treatment.
During questioning, Maidul allegedly told police that several people called the two youths over from near a fuel station in the Jomalgonj Char Matha area. They were then taken to a house, where, according to his account, they were beaten and tortured. At some point, the two were allegedly taken outside and left beside a field.
Maidul has reportedly told investigators that he would be able to identify the alleged perpetrators if they were brought before him. His account is expected to form an important part of the preliminary investigation, alongside statements from local residents and evidence collected from the scene.
The families of the two youths have raised further questions about why they were targeted. Relatives said Lal Badsha had a physical disability and poor eyesight. Maidul’s family said he also had some difficulties affecting his awareness and intellectual functioning. These circumstances have intensified concern over how the two young men came to be accused of theft and whether they were capable of properly understanding or responding to the allegations made against them.
Police have so far suspected that the youths may have been taken away after being accused of theft and then subjected to physical assault. However, the precise circumstances surrounding the incident, the nature and extent of the alleged torture, and the identities of those responsible have yet to be conclusively established.
Khetlal Police Station officer-in-charge Muktarul Alam said police went to the location after receiving information and recovered one youth dead and the other alive. He said the initial investigation had brought the allegation of assault following suspicion of theft to light. Police are examining Maidul’s account, statements from local people and other available evidence to identify those allegedly involved.
The body of Lal Badsha is being prepared for post-mortem examination. Police expect the forensic findings to provide clearer evidence about the cause and circumstances of his death. Investigators are also continuing efforts to establish where the alleged assault took place and who was responsible for taking the two youths there.
The incident has renewed concern over the dangers of vigilante violence. An accusation of theft, even when made in good faith, does not give private individuals the right to detain, beat or torture a suspect. Alleged offenders should instead be handed over to the authorities so that the claims can be investigated through lawful procedures.
The investigation in Khetlal will therefore be crucial not only in determining how Lal Badsha died, but also in establishing whether Maidul was subjected to similar violence and identifying everyone who may have been involved. Further legal action is expected once investigators establish the facts and the post-mortem findings become available.
