In Lakshmipur, two children were allegedly tied up, beaten, and burned with cigarettes by a group of people over an allegation of theft of Tk 800. The incident took place on Thursday evening in the South Markas Mosque area of the town, and the injured children were rescued and admitted to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital later that night.
The victims have been identified as Mujahid Hossain (9), a second-grade student and son of Abdus Shahid from Uttar Hamchadi, and Jihan Hossain (12), a Hifz student and son of Ziaul Haque from Char Ubhuti, Bhabaniganj.
According to police and family members, the incident began when Tk 800 was reported stolen from Monir Hossain’s grocery shop in the Markas Mosque area on Thursday evening. Based on suspicion, Mujahid and Jihan were detained by the shopkeeper and several others, who then physically assaulted them.
The attackers reportedly spread word that “thieves had been caught,” tied the children’s hands, and continued the abuse. It is alleged that Jihan was burned on the face with a cigarette during the torture.
Later, the accused informed the children’s families. According to allegations, the families were forced to sign blank papers before the children were handed over to them. The families then rescued the children and admitted them to the hospital.
The families claim that the children were not involved in any theft and were subjected to inhumane torture without evidence, demanding exemplary punishment for those responsible.
A doctor at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital, Dr. Md. Jahirul Islam, said:
“Both children have multiple injury marks on their bodies,
and one has clear cigarette burn marks on the face.”
“They are currently under treatment and observation.”
Officer-in-Charge of Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station, Md. Wahid Parvez, said:
“The incident is under investigation. Legal action will be taken after the investigation.”
“Even if someone commits a crime, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands.
Those involved in such acts will face action.”
Police confirmed that the matter is under investigation and further legal steps will be taken accordingly.
