An elderly woman in Jessore was beaten to death for refusing to accept the outcome of an arbitration on Wednesday night.
Radha Rani Mawl, 55, was beaten along with four others, including her husband, by Tapan Mawl, a neighbour with whom her family had a long-standing dispute over a land property in Bhaina area.
The woman and the four victims– her husband Kartik Mawl, son Manishankar Mawl, 26, brother-in-law Debu Mal, 45, and another brother-in-law Manar Mawl, 56 – were taken to Jessore General Hospital where she died hours later.
Kartik said Bikash Mawl, a local arbitrator, administered the arbitration between the two families and the outcome went in favour of Tapan.
“We protested the judgement, which made Tapan angry. Bikash, Tapan and some of their supporters suddenly attacked us with sticks, leaving the five of us badly injured,” he added.
Kotwali police station Officer-in-Charge Sikdar Akkas Ali said Radha’s body was sent to Jessore General Hospital morgue for autopsy.
The officer-in-charge said two men were detained in connection with the beating but no case was lodged.
“We are currently conducting a primary investigation into the matter. Legislative action will be taken if a lawsuit is filed,” added OC Sikdar.