A woman was allegedly burned alive in Akhaura, Brahmanbaria, with her body discovered in a pit burned to ashes.
The deceased is Harluja Begum, 50, wife of Nurul Islam Bepari of Hirapur area of the upazila.
Her body, burnt to ashes, was discovered on Tuesday morning in an abandoned tin shed in Gazir Bazar area under the upazila’s South Union.
Police detained Farhan Roni, son of Shahnewaz Bhuiya, general secretary of South Union Jubo League, from the scene.
Akhaura South Union Parishad member Zahir Mia explained that a swan was reportedly stolen the night before from a residence in Gazir Bazar. While searching for the missing bird, Shahnewaz Bhuiya noticed smoke coming from an abandoned tin house on Tuesday morning. When confronted, Farhan claimed he was burning leaves.
However, suspicion grew when two brothers, Enamul and Roman, along with their cousin Obaidul, decided to check the scene. Farhan allegedly became angry and issued threats to kill them. The men, accompanied by local residents, found the burning body inside a pit. The police were subsequently alerted and retrieved the remains.
Local resident Obaidullah said that due to the severe burns, it was initially difficult to determine whether the body belonged to a man or woman. However, the police identified it as a woman’s body due to the presence of bangles on one of the hands.
Later in the day, police recovered a severed head from a local pond, confirming the victim's identity.
According to preliminary investigations, Farhan allegedly called Harluja from her home early in the morning. However, police are still trying to ascertain why she was lured to the spot and killed in such a gruesome manner.
Shahinur Islam, inspector (investigation) at Akhaura police station, said: “The woman’s body was set on fire early in the morning. Her head was severed. The motive behind the killing is still unclear. Initial suspicion suggests the suspect was under the influence of drugs as he has been speaking incoherently during questioning.”
Brahmanbaria Additional Superintendent of Police Iqbal Hossain added: “Farhan’s statements have been inconsistent. The exact motive for the murder will be determined following further investigation and questioning.”
Legal proceedings in the case are underway.
