Expatriate tortured at in-laws' home over land dispute in Sherpur

An expatriate returning from abroad was subjected to brutal torture by his in-laws in Nalitabari upazila, Sherpur, when he went to collect his hard-earned money and land bought with it. He was reportedly tied to a coconut tree with a chain and beaten, sparking widespread outrage after a video of the incident spread on social media.

A case was filed at Nalitabari Police Station on Friday morning, June 19. The victim's wife, Mariam Begum, filed the case against her father Mohar Uddin, her uncle Asad Ali, and seven others. Police have arrested one suspect so far.

According to police and the case filing, Sohrab Hossain Babu from Raghunathpur village in Jhikargacha upazila, Jashore, married Mohar Uddin's daughter from Badlakura village in Nayabil union. Sohrab had been working abroad for 17 years. During his time abroad, he sent Tk 6.5 lakh to his father-in-law, Mohar Uddin, to buy land. A dispute arose between the two parties when Mohar Uddin demanded an additional Tk 1.5 lakh.

On Thursday afternoon, June 18, Sohrab went to his in-laws' home to collect his money and the land documents. An argument broke out between him and his father-in-law, which escalated into a physical confrontation.

The victim alleged that his in-laws forcibly detained him, tied him to a coconut tree with a chain, and beat him. A video of the torture went viral on social media.

Police arrived at the scene and rescued Sohrab Hossain. He was admitted to Nalitabari Upazila Health Complex.

Nalitabari Police Station OC Md Ashrafuzzaman said Asad Ali has been arrested in connection with the case. Police operations are ongoing to arrest the other accused.