Man 'murdered' before hundreds of people in Cumilla
A man has been hacked and beaten to death in broad daylight at Changini area of Cumilla city on Friday afternoon.
The deceased, Akter Hossain, 55, is the son of late Ali Hossain of Cumilla city ward No. 23.
Witnesses said, Cumilla city Jubo League’s senior joint convenor and ward No. 23 councilor Alamgir Hossain, his brothers and family members allegedly attacked Akter in front of Changini mosque at 1:50pm.
Jubo League is the youth front of the ruling Awami League.
At least six other persons were also injured while trying to protect Akter.
Police detained three brothers of Alamgir—Jahangir Hossain, Tofazzal Hossain and Amir Hossain from the spot and seized iron pipes from them. Other members of the family fled the scene.
Witnesses said murdered Akter was the cousin of councilor Alamgir. They had previous enmity over a piece of land. Akter was involved in hotel and sand businesses.
At least five witnesses of the incident said Akter locked into an altercation with Alamgir and one of his brothers at around 10:30am on Friday. Following the brawl, Alamgir, his five brothers, nephew and other members of the family hoarded iron rod, pipes and machetes beside the mosque. Once Akter finished his Juma prayers, Alamgir and his men dragged him and attacked him.
Akter was beaten and hacked in front of hundreds of people.
Shahjalal Alal, Md. Hossain, Rezaul Karim, Md Sohagh, Monir Hossain and Md Shakil were injured while they tried to protect Akter. They were taken to different hospitals in the city.
Akter succumbed to his injury at the city's Moon Hospital.
Akter’s son Md Sohag Hossain alleged, “Councilor, his brothers, nephew and family members murdered my father before hundreds of people. I want justice. I was also injured while trying to protect my father.”
Councilor Alamgir admitted that he was present at the scene.
“I have enmity with Akter over a piece of land. Akter’s men also carried out smear campaigns against me on Facebook. These led to altercation after Juma. I was present at the scene.”
Officer-in-charge of Sadar Dakshin model police station Md Nazrul Islam said, “Councilor Alamgir and his brothers carried out the attack on Akter in broad day light. Councilor family launched the pre-planned attack immediately after the Juma prayers. Three brothers of the councilor are detained from the scene. The body has been sent to Cumilla Medical College Hospital for autopsy.”
The OC said, the enmity started between them in December, 2017 and he settled the matter at that time.
A case will be filed in this connection after burial of the body. The police are trying to catch the persons involved with the incident,” Nazrul added.