Housewife tortured by binding hands, feet while playing loud music, dies in hospital

Machuda Begum, 27, a housewife, has died while undergoing treatment at Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura on Friday night, seven days after she was allegedly tortured by her husband over dowry demand in Kalai upazila of Joypurhat.

In a case filed by the deceased’s brother Bachir Mondal over the incident, police arrested Machuda’s husband Mehedi Hasan Shapla, 40. He was sent to jail through the court around noon on Saturday (August 22).

Mehedi is the son of late Abdus Samad Pramanik of Harunja village under Ahmedabad union of Kalai upazila. The deceased Machuda was the daughter of late Dilbor Mondal of Dashra Khanpara village under Khetlal upazila.

According to the first information report of the case, Machuda was married to Mehedi about 15 years ago. They have a 13-year-old daughter. It has been alleged that Machuda was tortured at different times over dowry demand since the marriage. At one stage they were divorced. However, about one year after the divorce they remarried and started living together.

The FIR alleged that Mehedi again demanded dowry from Machuda around noon on 14 August. When she did not agree, the door of the room was closed, loud music was played and Machuda’s hands and feet were bound before she was tortured.

According to the allegation, later her face was hit with pliers, breaking two of her teeth. Then a sickle was heated and pressed on her hands and feet. When salt and chilli powder were applied to the injured areas, Machuda lost consciousness due to severe pain, the case stated.

At one stage, thinking her dead, Mehedi locked the room and left, alleged the complainant of the case. Later in the afternoon neighbours rescued Machuda and admitted her to Khetlal Upazila Health Complex.

As her condition deteriorated, she was taken to Joypurhat District Modern Hospital. Later the same day she was shifted to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogura. After remaining under treatment there for seven days, Machuda died on Friday night.

The deceased’s brother Bachir Mondal said his sister was tortured and killed. He demanded justice for those involved in the incident.

Inspector (Investigation) of Kalai Police Station Dipendra Nath Singha said Mehedi was arrested from his house on Friday night after receiving the information. Later a case was filed against him. He said Mehedi confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation.