Woman tortured in Shariatpur over theft allegation

A middle-aged woman has been allegedly beaten in Shariatpur's Bhedarganj after being accused of stealing money and gold ornaments. The victim and her family have accused a local BNP leader and his associates of the assault. A video of the torture circulated on social media, sparking widespread anger in the area.

According to the complaint, the woman was suspected after two lakh taka and four bhori of gold ornaments went missing from Anwar Hossain Molla, former president of the Sixgaon Union BNP. The family alleges that on Thursday (July 23), she was forcibly taken from her home, confined, and beaten with sticks. Although she repeatedly claimed her innocence, the torture continued. She eventually collapsed on the ground but was still beaten.

The critically injured woman has been admitted to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.

The video circulating on social media shows two individuals holding the woman's arms while another beats her indiscriminately with a stick. Even after she falls to the ground, she is pulled up and beaten again.

The victim said she had not stolen anything. She was forcibly taken from her home and tortured, and she demands justice.

The victim's son, Golam Rabbi, said his family is not in financial distress and his mother is innocent. If there were allegations, they could have sought legal recourse, but she was beaten without any evidence. He also said his mother is a stroke patient.

Daughter Meherun also alleged that several people beat her mother mercilessly with sticks. She demanded exemplary punishment for those involved.

Attempts were made to contact the accused Anwar Hossain Molla on his mobile phone, but he did not respond.

Advocate Masudur Rahman, president of the Shariatpur district branch of the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission, said the video is a serious example of human rights violations. There is no scope to torture anyone without investigation. Those involved should be brought to justice.

Bhedarganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abul Basar said the injured woman has been hospitalised. A case has been filed based on a written complaint, and police are conducting operations to arrest the accused.