A formal criminal case has been registered in Tangail’s Madhupur following allegations that an eight-year-old boy was tied to a wooden post and severely beaten over claims of theft. The incident occurred on Sunday evening in Gubodiya village under Beribaid Union, sparking widespread public outrage after video footage of the assault was shared extensively across social media platforms.
The victim, identified as Jihad, is a primary school pupil studying in the third grade. Following the separation and departure of his parents during his early childhood, he has been residing under the care of his maternal grandparents.
According to local residents and witnesses, the boy had visited a local grocery shop owned by 60-year-old Mofez Uddin. The shopkeeper accused the young boy of stealing money from his cash counter and began assaulting him publicly. Witnesses stated that the shopkeeper subsequently bound the child’s hands to a wooden pillar outside the establishment to inflict further physical punishment.
Alerted by the commotion and outcry, the boy’s maternal grandfather rushed to the spot alongside fellow villagers to intervene and rescue the traumatized child. He was immediately transported to Madhupur Upazila Health Complex, where he remains admitted under medical supervision for injuries sustained during the ordeal.
On Monday night, 28 September, the victim’s grandfather, Mofizul Islam, officially lodged a complaint against Mofez Uddin at Madhupur Police Station.
Officer-in-Charge AKM Fazlul Haque confirmed the filing of the case and stated that law enforcement officers have launched a formal investigation into the matter. He assured the public that police teams are actively pursuing the accused shopkeeper and that strict legal action will be taken in accordance with child protection and penal laws once the investigation concludes.
