Youth beaten to death over fish theft in Manikganj

A young man was allegedly beaten to death over accusing of fish theft in Manikganj. His hanging body was recovered from the office of a market management committee in Manikganj Sadar upazila.

The deceased has been identified as Krishna Rajbongshi, 35, son of Khudiram Rajbongshi from Bandutia Majhipara in the upazila, police confirmed.

According to police and local sources, Krishna Rajbongshi and another person were detained on Wednesday morning (May 6) on allegations of fish theft from the Tora Builtu Smriti Haor fish market. One of them was later released under the custody of the market committee president, while Krishna was allegedly held inside the committee office.

Locals claimed he was beaten while in custody. At some point between morning and noon, he was found hanging from a ceiling fan inside the office room.

The incident sparked tension in the area, with locals alleging that market committee members initially attempted to remove the body, reportedly claiming it needed to be taken to hospital. The attempt was allegedly stopped by residents, after which those involved left the scene.

Later, police recovered the body and sent it to Manikganj Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Eyewitness Redwan Mamun said two people were initially detained on fish theft allegations, and while one was released, the other was kept inside the office and later found hanging.

Tora Builtu Smriti Market Committee General Secretary Belal Hossain said he heard that one detainee was released and the other was awaiting his guardian, later adding that he was informed of the suicide.

However, efforts to reach the committee president Mohammad Ibrahim were unsuccessful.

Manikganj Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ekram Hossain said the body was recovered from the scene and sent for post-mortem examination. “The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the report,” he said.

He added that detaining anyone over theft allegations must be reported to police, which was not done in this case, and that the matter is under investigation.

Locals have demanded a fair investigation, independent autopsy, and swift legal action against those responsible, while police say the situation is now under control and inquiries are ongoing.