Alleged Theft Accusation Ends in Painter’s Death After Six Days

A house painter died in hospital six days after allegedly being subjected to brutal torture over an accusation of theft in Fatullah, Narayanganj, according to his family and police.

Nayan Hawladar died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital late on Monday night. Fatullah Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahbub Alam confirmed the death on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said Nayan had allegedly been detained and severely beaten for two days at the home of Nurul Islam, where he had been working as a painter. The incident has led to a murder case filed by Nayan’s wife, Amena Akter Shimu. Four people have reportedly been arrested in connection with the case, while police are attempting to apprehend other accused individuals who remain at large.

According to Shimu, she and her husband lived in a rented house in the Tatkhana area of Godnail, Siddhirganj. Nayan had been working as a painter at Nurul Islam’s home in South Shiyachor, Fatullah, for about a month.

On 14 July, Nayan went to Nurul Islam’s house for work as usual. That evening, Nurul allegedly telephoned Shimu and accused her husband of stealing Tk 50,000 from the house. He reportedly told her that Nayan would be released if the money was returned.

Shimu said she managed to arrange Tk 30,000 the following day by pledging her gold earrings. However, according to her account, Nurul Islam’s wife, Ayesha Siddika, became angry and allegedly sat on Nayan’s chest before striking him with a piece of wood.

Shimu further alleged that another member of the household, Sirajus Salekin, subjected Nayan to electric shocks using an electrical wire and twisted his left wrist and fingers, causing serious injuries. At one point, Nayan became motionless, she said.

Shimu claimed that she pleaded with those present not to kill her husband and begged them to stop the assault. Despite this, she said, Nurul continued to demand the remaining Tk 20,000.

Unable to arrange the additional money despite repeated efforts, Shimu contacted the national emergency service 999 on the afternoon of 16 July. Police subsequently went to the house, arrested Nurul Islam and rescued Nayan in a critically injured condition. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment.

The victim’s wife said the family had to borrow money to meet the costs of his treatment, but their efforts ultimately failed to save his life.

In a statement reflecting the family’s anguish, Shimu demanded the harshest possible punishment for those responsible. She alleged that her husband was subjected to fatal violence after being falsely accused of theft.

The case has raised renewed concerns over the dangers of taking the law into one’s own hands. Allegations of theft or other offences should be investigated through lawful procedures, while suspects are entitled to legal protection and due process. Police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Nayan’s death and the alleged assault.