Faridpur: A 14-year-old boy, Towhid Sheikh, was allegedly subjected to torture after being accused of stealing iron rods in Madhukhali upazila of Faridpur. The boy’s hands, feet, eyes, and mouth were reportedly tied during the ordeal, which occurred on Sunday night.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Towhid, who is the eldest son of Rubel Sheikh from Char Kurania in Naopara Union, works at a local furniture shop. The incident took place while he was returning home from work. Family members allege that local mill owner and former army member Esharot Molla, along with his son Munna Molla, took Towhid to the mill’s roof around 9 pm and tortured him until midnight.
The family claims that Towhid was tied up and questioned about the alleged theft. When he denied the accusation, he was beaten with an iron pipe, and his mouth was gagged with a cloth when he attempted to scream. Family members found him injured at around 12:30 am and took him home before transferring him to Faridpur Medical College Hospital due to his deteriorating condition.
Towhid, who is currently receiving treatment in the casualty and neurosurgery departments, described to reporters how he was tied and beaten for approximately three hours. His grandmother, Rahima Begum, insisted on Towhid’s innocence and called for a thorough investigation and punishment for those involved. The family initially sought justice from local elders but received no substantial response.
Towhid’s father, Rubel Sheikh, alleged that the family was threatened by the accused following the incident. He claimed that Esharot Molla admitted to the beating and threatened further harm if the family reported the incident.
In contrast, Esharot Molla maintained that Towhid had been stealing from the area and admitted to slapping the boy along with his son and nephews. Molla expressed regret for not handing Towhid over to the police.
Sukdev Roy, the officer-in-charge of Madhukhali Police Station, stated that no official complaint had been received regarding the incident. He assured that legal action would be taken if a complaint was filed by the family.