Farmer killed by burqa-clad attackers in Barishal

Allegations have been raised that a group of burqa-clad attackers killed a farmer named Kabir Bepari (55) by slitting his throat and cutting the tendons in his hands and feet in Mehendiganj, Barishal. The incident occurred around 3:45pm on Saturday in the Gazirhat area of Bhashanchar union under Kazirhat Police Station in the upazila.

The deceased, Kabir Bepari, was the son of Hasmat Ali Bepari of South Bahadurpur village in Kazirchar union of Muladi upazila. Kazirhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Siddikur Rahman confirmed the incident.

Speaking with local residents and the victim's relatives, it was learned that Kabir Bepari was going towards Gazirhat Bazar by autorickshaw from his home on Saturday afternoon. When he reached near the bazar, a group of burqa-clad attackers lying in wait stopped the autorickshaw. He was then dragged out and beaten.

At one stage, the attackers hacked and beat Kabir with sharp weapons. They then cut the tendons in his hands and feet. They later slit his throat to confirm death and dumped the body in a nearby ditch before fleeing.

Some time later, passers-by saw the bloodied body lying there and informed relatives and police. Police later went to the scene and recovered the body.

Abu Hanif Sardar, a member of Kazirchar Union Parishad, and one of the victim's maternal uncles said they believe a group of burqa-clad attackers killed Kabir Bepari in an attack over a previous dispute. The attackers left the burqas at the scene after the attack.

Kazirhat Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Siddikur Rahman said the body is being sent to the hospital morgue. Necessary legal action is being taken in the incident. Police have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the killing and identify those involved.