Teen Testimonies Reveal College Student’s Death

Two students from Ananda Mohan College in Mymensingh city fell victim to a juvenile gang while visiting the banks of the Brahmaputra River. While one student managed to escape by swimming, the body of 26-year-old Nurullah Shawon was recovered late on Friday night. The circumstances surrounding Shawon’s death and the events of that day have now been disclosed in court through the confessions of two minors.

On Sunday evening, the two teenagers provided their statements at the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court of Mymensingh, presided over by Judge Tanoy Saha.

Shawon, a third-year Chemistry student at Ananda Mohan College, hailed from Char Jakalia village in Kotiaadi Upazila, Kishoreganj District.

Arrests and Court Proceedings

Six juveniles have been arrested in connection with the incident. One minor was sent to a juvenile correction centre through the court, while the remaining five were produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on Sunday evening. Among them, two provided detailed confessions, aged 14 and 15 respectively.

Sequence of Events

According to Abdullah Al Mamun, Additional Superintendent of Police (Administration) in Mymensingh, the two friends encountered the gang while strolling along the riverbank. The gang demanded to know why they were there. Upon being told they were simply visiting, the gang instructed them to hand over all valuables. Shawon only had a basic mobile phone, while his friend had a smartphone. When they resisted, the gang began assaulting them. Both students attempted to flee: one successfully swam across the river, while Shawon ran along the riverbank.

Shawon, who could not swim, eventually jumped into the river in an attempt to escape. Due to the depth of the river at that point, he began to drown. Gang members present did not attempt to rescue him. One minor later stated that Shawon submerged too quickly for them to intervene, and the others fled the scene upon seeing him sink.

Investigation and Social Context

Police have yet to determine how long this juvenile gang had been engaging in such criminal activity. None of the arrested minors had previous records, and they all belong to the Dalit community. Following the confessions, all six were placed in juvenile custody.

Authorities have expressed concern over the risks posed by juvenile gangs near riverbanks, particularly for students and other young visitors. Local law enforcement has since increased patrols along the Brahmaputra River area to prevent further incidents.