Youth detained after killing mother, niece in Cumilla

A young man was detained in Cumilla’s Debidwar on Monday (September 21) after allegedly killing his mother and six-month-old niece and seriously injuring his sister-in-law in an attack at their home.

The victims were identified as Firoza Begum and her granddaughter, six-month-old Israt Jahan. Firoza was allegedly hacked to death with a machete, while the infant was allegedly killed by being slammed to the ground.

Israt’s mother, Rabeya Akter, was seriously injured when she tried to intervene and was taken to hospital.

The incident took place around 8:30am at the home of Mostafa Master in Southpara of Barashalghar village under Barashalghar union.

According to local residents, the suspect, Emon, suddenly attacked his mother before turning on the infant and his sister-in-law. Residents later restrained him and locked him in a room before police arrived and took him into custody.

Emon’s elder brother, Md Sujon, said Emon had remained at home since breaking his leg in 2018 and had undergone two surgeries. He said the family had noticed changes in his behaviour afterward.

Md Moniruzzaman, officer-in-charge (OC) Debidwar Police Station, said, "Police detained Emon after receiving the report. The suspect had reportedly been ill for a long time, but the motive for the killings had not yet been established."

Police said an investigation was underway.