Jhalokathi, Jan 01 (V7N) — A 14-year-old madrasa student was allegedly beaten to death by her uncle over a dispute involving Tk 170 in Jhalokathi’s Kathalia upazila, police and family members said on Wednesday.
 
The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon at the family’s residence in Aurabunia village. The victim, Lamia Akter, was a tenth-grade student at Uttar Charail Hashemia Dakhil Madrasa.
 
According to relatives, a long-standing family dispute over property and eviction had been ongoing. The situation escalated when Lamia was accused of stealing Tk 170. During an argument, she was reportedly assaulted with a crowbar by her uncle, Zakir Khan. Lamia lost consciousness and was rushed to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared her dead later that night.
 
Lamia’s mother, Lily Begum, was also seriously injured while trying to protect her daughter. She sustained head injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at the same hospital.
 
Family members have demanded a fair investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible. The incident has sparked widespread grief and outrage in the local community, with residents calling for swift justice.
 
Kathalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abu Naser Raihan said the altercation began after Zakir Khan claimed the money had gone missing from his pocket. During the confrontation, Lamia was severely injured, and her mother was hurt while intervening. He added that no written complaint has yet been filed by the victim’s family, and therefore no case has been registered or arrests made so far. Legal action will be taken once a formal complaint is received.
 
Police further said Lamia had been living with her mother at her stepfather’s house. Her stepfather, Faruk Khan, who was Zakir Khan’s elder brother, had married Lamia’s mother as his second wife. After Faruk’s death a few months ago, Lamia and her mother continued to live in the same household.
 
Authorities said they are prepared to proceed with the investigation as soon as a formal complaint is lodged.
 
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