Suspected Banana Theft Leads to Man’s Death in Chattogram

A 45-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death following an argument over suspected banana theft in Patiya, Chattogram, with police arresting one person in connection with the incident.

The incident reportedly took place at around midnight on Friday, 31 July, in Monaf Hajipara, Ward No. 6 of Habilasdweep Union in Patiya upazila. The deceased was identified as Mohammad Toha, also known as Toha Munshi, son of the late Abul Bashar and a resident of the area. He was reportedly serving as the general secretary of the Patiya Munshi Samity.

According to local residents and police sources, Toha allegedly noticed Mohammad Anwar Hossain, 29, moving suspiciously in front of his home on Friday night. Suspecting that Anwar might have been involved in stealing bananas from a nearby tree, Toha reportedly questioned him about the matter.

The inquiry soon escalated into a verbal altercation between the two men. At one stage, Anwar allegedly became angry and, along with several others, including family members identified as Babul, Ehajar Mia and Saddam, attacked Toha with sticks and other blunt objects.

The attackers allegedly beat Toha indiscriminately, leaving him critically injured, before fleeing the scene. Local people later rescued him and rushed him to Patiya General Hospital. However, the attending doctor declared him dead after his arrival.

Following the incident, police launched an operation and arrested Anwar Hossain, who has been identified as the principal accused in the case. Police said efforts were continuing to apprehend the other individuals allegedly involved in the attack.

Sub-Inspector Mohammad Mahbub of Patiya Police Station confirmed the incident and said police moved quickly after receiving information about the alleged assault. He said the circumstances surrounding the death were being investigated and that further arrests could follow as the investigation progresses.

Police are also preparing to file a murder case at Patiya Police Station in connection with the incident. The deceased’s body has been sent to the morgue at Chattogram Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The alleged killing has raised concerns over the escalation of minor disputes into serious violence. Although the incident reportedly began with a suspicion over the theft of bananas, the matter ultimately resulted in the death of a man. The exact circumstances of the assault, including the roles played by those named in the allegations, are expected to become clearer through the police investigation and the post-mortem report.

Police said legal proceedings would be taken against those found responsible based on the evidence gathered during the investigation.