Jhalakathi, Mar 25 (V7N)– A student in Rajapur has allegedly been brutally attacked and injured after he intervened in an extramarital affair. Local authorities are now facing accusations of attempting to cover up the incident through an illegal financial settlement.

Md. Riaz Hossain (19), a 12th-grade student at Abdul Malek Degree College, was reportedly assaulted on Monday, March 24, in the Putharijana area of Mathbari Union.

"A student named Md. Riaz Hossain (19) has been accused of being beaten and injured for obstructing an extramarital affair in Rajapur, Jhalakathi," a police report confirms.

The accused individuals have been identified as Md. Sajib (30), Md. Rajib (22), Md. Hridoy (20), and Md. Shahadat (20).

According to local accounts, approximately 8 to 10 days prior to the assault, Riaz and other locals detained Md. Sajib and a woman found in an "objectionable condition" inside a house in the West Badurtala area.

"According to locals, about 8 to 10 days ago, Md. Sajib was found in an objectionable condition with a girl inside a house in the West Badurtala area. Then, local people including Riyaz detained them and arrangements were made for mediation through UP member Sabur and other dignitaries," a local witness reported.

UP member Md. Sabur is now accused of orchestrating a compromise, demanding 20,000 taka from the girl's family and 30,000 taka from Sajib's family, instead of pursuing legal action. Sajib, reportedly angered by Riaz's involvement, allegedly threatened him with death.

"During the mediation meeting, it was alleged that instead of punishment, UP member Sabur imposed a fine of 20 thousand taka on the girl's family and 30 thousand taka on the boy's family as a solution to the incident. After that, both the boy and the girl were released," a police statement detailed.

On Monday, while Riaz was en route to pay his electricity bill, Sajib and his associates allegedly ambushed him, inflicting severe injuries with iron rods, sticks, and other weapons. Riaz was subsequently admitted to the Rajapur Upazila Health Complex.

"On Monday, on his way to the Krishi Bank to pay his electricity bill, Sajib and his associates arrested Riaz and severely beat him with iron rods, sticks and other weapons. Hearing Riaz's screams, locals came to rescue him and admitted him to the Rajapur Upazila Health Complex," a local resident confirmed.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the community, with residents demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and swift justice.

UP member Md. Sabur has denied the allegations of financial compromise, stating that he only facilitated communication between the families.

"When asked, UP member Md. Sabur denied the allegations and said, 'I went to the spot after the locals called me. Since the boy and girl were already married, it was not possible to get them married again. Later, I called the parents of both of them and explained it to them and sent them home. There was no money transaction here,'" Sabur stated.

Rajapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Ismail Hossain confirmed that a complaint has been filed and an investigation is underway.

"OC Md. Ismail Hossain said, 'We have received the complaint and police have been sent to the spot for investigation. Legal action will be taken after proper investigation,'" OC Hossain confirmed.

The incident has raised serious concerns about local dispute resolution practices and the safety of individuals who intervene in alleged criminal activities.

END/AIJ/RH/