Youth commits suicide after humiliating punishment over duck theft

A young man named Md Masum, 20, allegedly committed suicide unable to bear the humiliation of a 'nose-rubbing' punishment ordered by a village arbitration over accusations of stealing ducks in Faridganj upazila, Chandpur, his family has alleged.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, March 8, in Charmathura village under Gobindpur North Union in the upazila. Masum was the son of Alauddin Mia of the Miji family in that village. Police recovered the body upon receiving information.

According to local sources, two Chinese ducks and one local duck belonging to Md Nayon Patowary of the Patowary family in the same village were stolen on Friday night. When the ducks were not found the next morning, allegations surfaced that Masum had stolen the ducks and sold them to a housewife named Rabeya Begum.

Following this incident, a village arbitration was held at Masum's house on Sunday afternoon in the presence of the local UP member. Based on evidence presented, Masum was found guilty in the arbitration. He was fined Tk 5,000 and subjected to a 'nose-slitting' punishment with the condition that he would not engage in such acts in the future.

The family claims Masum was humiliated and mentally broken by this incident. In the evening, away from his family's knowledge, he committed suicide by tying a rope around his neck to a beam inside the house. Locals later noticed the incident and informed the police.

Local UP member Mizanur Rahman said Masum had previous allegations of involvement in theft. As he admitted to the crime of stealing ducks, he was fined and given the nose-slitting punishment. He later heard that Masum had committed suicide.

On the other hand, Masum's father Alauddin Mia alleged that Nayon Patowary and others beat his son over the theft accusation. He also claimed a one-sided arbitration was conducted under the leadership of the UP member, trapping his son. He demanded justice, holding those involved responsible for the incident.

However, duck owner Nayon Patowary said the matter was reported to the respected individuals of the area. Justice was delivered based on their decision, and he is satisfied with that verdict. He also denied the allegations of beating as untrue.

Faridganj Police Station Sub-Inspector Md Helal Uddin said the body was recovered and an inquest report prepared. The body has been sent to the district sadar hospital for autopsy. Further legal action will be taken after receiving the report.