A man has died after being beaten by a group of locals following allegations of mobile phone theft at a mosque during dawn prayers in Munshiganj District.
The incident took place early on Thursday morning in Mattogram village under Shyam Siddhi Union of Srinagar Upazila. According to police and local accounts, worshippers had gathered for Fajr, the early morning prayer, at a local mosque when several mobile phones went missing from congregants’ pockets.
Shortly after the theft was discovered, suspicion fell on a young man identified as 27-year-old Shahadat Hossain, son of Shamsul Haque from the same locality. Locals reportedly detained him on the spot, accusing him of involvement in the theft. He was then subjected to a severe beating by a group of residents.
Police said the assault left him critically injured. He died at the scene before any medical assistance could be arranged. His body was later found lying on a road in front of the mosque.
Officers from the local police station arrived shortly after being informed of the incident. The body was recovered and a preliminary inquest was carried out at the scene. It was subsequently sent to Munshiganj General Hospital for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Authorities stated that Shahadat Hossain had previously faced multiple allegations related to theft. Police also indicated that several cases had been filed against him in the past, and that he had been arrested earlier in connection with similar incidents. However, officials emphasised that the post-mortem report would provide clearer findings regarding the circumstances of his death.
A local resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the man had long been known in the area due to repeated theft allegations. He added that news of the mosque incident spread quickly, after which a group of residents confronted and assaulted him.
The killing has once again highlighted concerns over mob justice in parts of Bangladesh, where suspects are sometimes attacked before formal legal procedures can take place. Law enforcement officials have repeatedly urged the public to hand over suspected offenders to police rather than taking matters into their own hands, stressing that such actions can lead to serious legal consequences and the loss of life.
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