BSF returns body of Bangladeshi killed by mob-beating in India

The Indian Border Security Force (BSF) has handed over the body of a Bangladeshi national who was beaten to death by a local mob in the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya state.

The body was handed over to the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and local police at the Maheshkhola BOP on Sunday afternoon (August 17), following a joint flag meeting between BGB and BSF, Ali Farid Ahmed, assistant superintendent of Police of Dharmapasha Circle, Sunamganj, confirmed.

The deceased was identified as Md. Akram Hossain, 35, a resident of Bankakura village in Jhenaigati, Sherpur, had been working as a driver in Barishal.

His family reported him missing after he left his rented home on August 6. On August 11, a video surfaced on social media showing Akram being beaten by a mob. His brother, Sheikh Farid, contacted authorities, leading to the discovery of his death.

The body was initially handed over to the Kalmakanda police and later transferred to the Madhyanagar police station. After completing legal formalities, the body was sent to Netrokona Sadar Hospital for an autopsy and later moved to the Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

According to Kalmakanda police, Akram was detained by locals in the Kaithakona area of Meghalaya on August 10 for illegally crossing into India and was subsequently beaten. Authorities claim Akram had multiple cases, including smuggling charges, against him. The incident remains under investigation.

Mohammad Lutfur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Kalmakanda police station, said, "On August 10, Akram was detained by locals in the Kaithakona area of Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, for illegally entering India. He later succumbed to injuries from the mob beating."

"Akram had multiple cases, including smuggling, registered against him," he added.