In a shocking incident in Madaripur, a fruit trader was fatally attacked after being summoned to a local mediation over a minor theft, while at least five others, including his son-in-law, sustained injuries.
The violent episode occurred on Tuesday morning in Madhyapara, within the Amgram Union of Rajair Upazila. Following the assault, enraged locals set fire to four houses belonging to the accused, who subsequently fled the area.
Victim and Background
The deceased, Zakir Sheikh, was the son of Nurjaman Sheikh from Majumdarkandi village in Rajair. He ran a fruit business near Rajair bus stand and was a respected member of the community.
The conflict reportedly originated from a theft at the residence of Sohel Bepari, brother of Rasel Bepari. Sohel had lodged a formal complaint at the local police station following the incident. In response, local elders arranged a salish (traditional mediation meeting) on Tuesday morning with Majid Khan’s family.
Sequence of Events
During the mediation, Rasel Bepari was allegedly attacked and injured in a premeditated assault. Attempts to intervene led to four other individuals, including women, being assaulted and beaten. Subsequently, Zakir Sheikh was called to the venue under the pretext of another mediation, where he too was attacked with sharp weapons by Majid Khan, his sons, and supporters.
Medical teams rushed the injured to Rajair Upazila Health Complex, where Dr Al Yasa pronounced Zakir Sheikh dead upon arrival.
| Victim | Relationship | Injuries/Outcome | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zakir Sheikh | Father-in-law of Rasel Bepari | Fatally wounded | Rajair Upazila Health Complex |
| Rasel Bepari | Son-in-law | Injured | Local clinic, Madhyapara |
| Four others | Community members, including women | Injured | Local clinic, Madhyapara |
Following the attacks, locals set ablaze four homes belonging to the alleged assailants. Police and fire services quickly arrived to bring the situation under control. Additional police forces were deployed to maintain order in the tense area.
Official Response
Inspector (Investigation) Md Kutub Uddin of Rajair Police stated that the violence stemmed from property disputes and the recent theft. He confirmed that the authorities are actively pursuing the perpetrators and added that extra police presence has been established to restore calm.
Rasel Bepari, one of the victims, expressed his shock, stating, “My father-in-law was deliberately attacked and killed. I never imagined such extreme violence could arise from a minor theft. We demand justice for this atrocity.”
