Police in Sylhet have apprehended three men after a shocking video surfaced online showing a 16-year-old girl chained around the waist and dragged along a public road over allegations of attempted theft.

The incident occurred on Monday night in the D-Block Mosque Market area of the Shahjalal Uposhohor neighbourhood. Local shopkeepers and residents apprehended the teenager, accusing her of attempting to steal from a nearby shop. Rather than handing her over directly to the authorities, several individuals bound her waist with a heavy metal chain and subjected her to physical abuse while dragging her along the pavement in full view of the public.

She was eventually brought to the local police station later that night. However, those who detained her failed to lodge an official written complaint regarding the alleged shoplifting.

The situation took a turn on Tuesday when video footage of the assault began circulating heavily across social media platforms, sparking public outrage over the brutal treatment of a minor. The viral footage prompted swift action from the Shahpraan Police Station, who used the visual evidence to identify the individuals involved in the physical assault and public humiliation.

Officers conducted raids late Tuesday night, leading to the arrest of three men: Md Jakir Hossain, 43, his brother Md Mozakkir Hossain, 40, and Md Burhan Uddin, 45, all residents of the Shahjalal Uposhohor area.

Confirming the operation, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Media) of Sylhet Metropolitan Police, Md Monjurul Alam, stated that formal charges are currently being prepared against the suspects. The police confirmed that the detained men will be presented before the court shortly as investigations continue into the unlawful detention and assault of the teenager.