A man was killed after being tortured over allegations of stealing a cow in the border area of Sylhet's Gowainghat.
The deceased was identified as Helal Mia, 38.
He was tied up and forced to drink a mixture of lime and sand dissolved in two liters of water.
The incident occurred in front of his parents, who were held hostage by a group of local youths.
This tragic event took place early Wednesday in the Radhanagar village of Gowainghat.
The deceased, Helal Mia, was a resident of Ghushgao village in Doubar Union, Gowainghat.
His body is currently at the Gowainghat Upazila Health Complex and will be sent to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital for an autopsy following a post-mortem examination.
Dr Rakib Ahmed from the Gowainghat Upazila Health Complex said: “The family informed us that he was forced to drink water mixed with lime and sand. He fell ill at home and while being brought to the health complex, he passed away.”
He further added: “The exact cause of death will be determined through the autopsy report. We have only issued a death certificate to the police.”
These details were confirmed by Gowainghat Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sarwar Tofayel Ahmed.
He stated that locals apprehended Helal Mia on allegations of stealing a cow and assaulted him.
Upon hearing the news, Helal’s parents went to rescue him.
Despite their pleas, a group of youths abducted Helal again, tied him up and beat him further.
According to the OC, during the assault, some youths forcibly fed him a mixture of half a kilogram of lime and sand dissolved in two liters of water.
Helal’s parents eventually managed to take him home in an injured state, but he fell severely ill.
On the way to the health complex, he died to his injuries.
The OC said: “Multiple teams from the police station and district detective police (DB) are working to apprehend those responsible for this heinous act. Initial findings suggest he died due to poisoning.”
