Tea shop owner killed in Khulna over Tk400 debt

A tea shop owner was killed in Khulna's Rupsa upazila following a dispute over a Tk 400 debt.

The incident took place around 4:00pm at Bhabanipur village in Ghatbhog Union on Tuesday (March 18). Following the incident, the accused has fled the scene.

The deceased, Din Mohammad Dhali, 52, was the son of Abul Kashem Dhali and ran a tea stall near Bhabanipur Government Primary School. He is survived by his wife and four daughters.

According to police and local sources, Abul Khayer Laskar, a resident of the same union, was owed Tk 400 by Din Mohammad. After repeated requests for repayment went unanswered, Laskar visited the tea stall on Tuesday afternoon to demand the money.

A verbal argument escalated, and Laskar reportedly struck Din Mohammad on the head with a brick. Din Mohammad was critically injured and cried out for help, prompting nearby villagers to rush to the scene. Laskar fled before police arrived.

The injured man was first taken to Rupsa Upazila Health Complex and later referred to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Confirming the matter, Rupsa Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdur Razzak Mir, said, "An operation is underway to apprehend the suspect."