A young man with mental health difficulties was allegedly subjected to a brutal beating with a stick in Araihazar, Narayanganj, with a video of the incident later spreading widely on social media and prompting public outrage.
The incident reportedly took place at around 8.45pm on Friday (5 September) in the Jhalakandi area of Gopaldi municipality in Araihazar. The assault attracted wider attention after footage of the incident circulated on social media on Saturday night.
The victim has been identified as Liton, son of Ali Hossain of the same area. Locals reportedly know him as ‘Liton Pagla’. His family said he sustained serious injuries in the beating, including fractures to one arm and both legs. He was subsequently taken to a hospital in Dhaka, where he is receiving treatment.
The alleged attacker has been identified as Sumon, son of Mostafa Mia, who also lives in the area.
According to local residents, Liton has been living with mental health difficulties and generally survives by asking people for food. On Saturday, he reportedly went to Sumon’s mother and asked for rice. Sumon has alleged that Liton behaved improperly towards his mother during the encounter.
The allegation was followed by the assault later that night, when Liton was reportedly attacked with a stick while he was near a local shop. Footage circulating online appears to show him lying on the ground as a man repeatedly strikes him with a large stick. Liton can also be heard crying out for help during the incident.
Residents said people nearby gathered after hearing his cries, but no one intervened immediately because they were allegedly afraid of Sumon. Liton was later taken to hospital in a seriously injured condition.
The circulation of the video on social media triggered strong reactions among local people and others who viewed the footage. Many called for the accused to be brought under the law and for appropriate legal action to be taken following an investigation.
The incident has also raised concerns about the treatment of people living with mental health difficulties and those in vulnerable circumstances. Residents said disputes involving such individuals should be handled through lawful and non-violent means rather than through physical assault.
Araihazar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Sabjel Hossain said the video had come to his attention. He said police were investigating the incident and would take appropriate action based on their findings.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the assault and determine the legal steps warranted by the evidence. Meanwhile, Liton remains under treatment following the injuries he allegedly sustained in the attack.
