Rajshahi, Dec 24 (V7N) — A van puller named Omar Faruk, 38, died after being subjected to prolonged and brutal torture in public in Bagmara upazila of Rajshahi, allegedly over accusations of theft. The incident took place on December 17 in the Bhabaniganj municipal area, where witnesses said Faruk was abused for nearly two hours in front of more than a hundred people.

According to eyewitnesses and family members, Faruk was returning home around 5:45 pm when he parked his van near a CNG auto-rickshaw stand and went to relieve himself. Upon his return, he was accused of stealing a battery by leaders and members of the local CNG Owners’ Association. Witnesses alleged that the association’s president Rezaul Karim and general secretary Abdul Matin, along with 10 to 15 others, detained Faruk and began beating him with iron rods.

Faruk reportedly collapsed after repeated blows and was then forced to stand against a wall. Witnesses said iron nails, measuring about two inches, were hammered into both his hands and feet. Despite his repeated pleas for water, the attackers allegedly showed no mercy. When Faruk’s uncle Anisur attempted to bring him water, it was snatched away, and Anisur was restrained to prevent him from alerting others.

The attackers allegedly took Faruk to the nearby Rani River, stripped him, and repeatedly submerged him in the water. He was then brought back to the CNG stand, where the torture continued. Witnesses further alleged that chili powder was forced into his rectum, leaving him in critical condition.

As Faruk’s condition deteriorated, the attackers contacted Bagmara police. A police team initially declined to take custody of him due to his severe injuries, according to witnesses. Later, Assistant Commissioner (Land) and Executive Magistrate Saiful Islam Bhuiyan arrived at the scene. Faruk was subsequently sentenced by a mobile court to seven days in jail and fined Tk 100 after allegedly being found in possession of a small quantity of cannabis.

Saiful Islam Bhuiyan later said Faruk was punished under the mobile court for drug possession and claimed he was unaware of any prior assault at the time. He added that he later requested prison authorities to ensure medical treatment after learning of Faruk’s illness.

Instead of being taken directly to Rajshahi Central Jail, Faruk was first transported to Bagmara Upazila Health Complex for treatment and was later admitted to Rajshahi Central Jail at 9:55 pm the same night. Prison officials said his condition worsened, and he was admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on December 18. Faruk died early Saturday morning at around 5:00 am while undergoing treatment under police and prison guard supervision.

Senior Jail Superintendent of Rajshahi Central Jail Shah Alam Khan said Faruk was received in an injured state and that medical certificates noted his condition at the time of admission. An autopsy was conducted before his body was handed over to his family.

Faruk was the son of Muslim Sardar of Chanpara area under Bhabaniganj municipality. His father, also a van puller, said the family learned of the incident too late and demanded justice for his son’s killing. Faruk’s mother, Parul Begum, described her son’s death as the result of inhuman torture and appealed for accountability, saying the family had nowhere else to turn.

Neighbors who helped prepare Faruk’s body for burial said there were visible injury marks all over his body, from head to toe. Local residents and rights advocates have demanded exemplary punishment for those responsible.

CNG Owners’ Association president Rezaul Karim initially denied involvement, claiming he was not present during the beating and later saying he could not identify who assaulted Faruk. Bagmara Police Station Officer-in-Charge Saidul Islam said police were not aware of the alleged torture beforehand and denied refusing to take Faruk into custody, citing logistical issues for his transport.

Rajshahi Divisional Commissioner Dr. A. N. M. Bazlur Rashid said he was not immediately aware of the circumstances under which the mobile court sentenced Faruk and promised to look into the matter and take necessary action.

The incident has triggered widespread public anger, with calls for a thorough investigation into the killing and the roles of those involved, including questions over the legality and conduct of the mobile court proceedings.

END/MRA/SMA/