Man tortured in ‘medieval-style’ village arbitration over drug allegations in Brahmanbaria

A 40-year-old man was allegedly subjected to brutal, so-called “medieval-style” torture during a village arbitration over drug trafficking allegations in Nabinagar upazila of Brahmanbaria.

The incident took place on Thursday afternoon (June 4) at Narui Bazar in Kaitala North Union, where local residents reportedly convened a meeting under a “drug eradication committee” and presented the man, identified as Hobi Mia, before the gathering.

The incident drew widespread criticism after footage of the incident surfaced online.

According to police and local sources, he was accused of involvement in drug dealing and then publicly assaulted during the arbitration session, which was also attended by his mother and wife.

Videos circulating on social media show the victim being tied up with a rope, blindfolded with a scarf, and restrained in front of the crowd. He was later allegedly forced to sit on the ground while his limbs were immobilized with a pipe, before being beaten with sticks by multiple individuals.

Police said preliminary information suggests several local individuals were involved in the assault. It is also alleged that the man was released after giving an undertaking not to engage in drug-related activities again.

Shibpur Police Outpost In-Charge SI Noor Nabi said police reached the scene after receiving information, but the accused had already fled. The victim and his family were also not found at home during the visit.

He added that while there are allegations of drug involvement against Hobi Mia, no one has the legal authority to carry out such punishment in the name of arbitration, and legal action is being taken against those involved.