Man killed as house of main accused set afire

An octogenarian was burnt to death as an unknown gang set the house of the main accused in Jubo League activist Tarek Hossain Swapan murder case afire in Chhayani-Tagba area under Chatkhil Municipality in the district yesterday.

The deceased was identified as Siddiq Ullah, 80, grandfather of Robin, the prime accused in the killing case.

Locals said they saw Robin's house burning in the morning. They rushed to the spot and found Siddiq Ullah lying on the floor with burn injuries. He was taken to Chatkhil Upazila Health Complex.

As Siddiq's condition deteriorated, doctors referred him to Noakhali General Hospital, but he died on the way to the hospital.

Dr Nazrul Islam, on-duty doctor of Chatkhil Upazila Health Complex, said 40% of the victim's body was burnt.

Md Nasim Uddin, officer-in-charge of Chatkhil Police Station, said the body was sent to Noakhali General Hospital morgue for autopsy.

Tarek, a Jubo League activist of its Chatkhil upazila unit, was hacked by a gang led by Robin in his house in the municipality on Sunday.

He was rushed to Chatkhil Upazila Health Complex where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

Later, a case was filed with the Chatkhil Police Station, accusing Robin and his four accomplices. Police arrested Robin and his brother the same day.