22-year-old beaten to death over snatching allegation in N’ganj, police say

A 22-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death after being branded a snatcher in Narayanganj's Fatullah last night, police and family members said.

The incident took place around 10:00pm in the West Masdair area. The deceased, identified as Jisan, was a resident of the area, said Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahbub Alam.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

Police recovered the body and sent it for an autopsy, the OC said, adding that Jisan was declared dead on arrival by doctors at the 300-bed Khanpur Hospital.

"Injuries were found on the body. The incident is under investigation, and those involved will face legal action," the OC said, adding that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands.

Family members alleged that Jisan was taken from his house by several local people over accusations of snatching a mobile phone. They alleged the group was led by Kawser Ahmed, an organiser of a local volunteer group, Al Falah, and imam of a local mosque. They said his hands and legs were tied before he was beaten.

At one stage, the family said, Jisan lost consciousness and was left there. He was later taken to Khanpur hospital in the city.

Locals said the victim's relatives and friends later carried out vandalism in the area with sticks.

When contacted, Kawser claimed that Jisan had a history of drug abuse, drug dealing and snatching. He alleged that locals beat him after fresh accusations that he had snatched a mobile phone yesterday.

Meanwhile, a video circulating after the incident shows Kawser making provocative remarks, urging people to unite and resist any action, and suggesting that no legal consequences would follow such incidents.