Teenage Rickshaw Driver Killed During Robbery Chase

A tragic incident unfolded on Sunday night along the Dhaka–Chittagong Highway in Feni Sadar, where a 15-year-old rickshaw driver lost his life while pursuing his stolen vehicle. The incident has raised concerns over road safety and the escalating risks of street crime in the region.

According to local police and the victim’s family, two assailants posing as passengers boarded a rickshaw driven by Shanto Kumar Saha, the son of Kanu Kumar Saha from Hakdi village in Baligaon Union, Feni Sadar. The teenager, carrying passengers from Feni town towards Baligaon, was unaware that the seemingly ordinary ride would turn fatal.

At approximately 8:00 pm, as the rickshaw reached a relatively isolated section near the Star Line Pump on the highway, the assailants forcibly pushed Shanto into a roadside ditch and seized the rickshaw. Determined to recover his father’s vehicle, Shanto climbed out and began chasing the fleeing rickshaw on foot. Tragically, at the Rampur intersection, a speeding truck struck him, killing him instantly at the scene.

Local highway police were alerted and promptly reached the site to recover the body. Following a preliminary inquest, Shanto’s remains were taken to the Feni 250-Bed General Hospital morgue.

Shanto’s uncle, Ripon Saha, confirmed that the rickshaw belonged to Shanto’s father and that the teenager had taken it for routine earnings. “He set out from home, hoping to earn some money, but in the end, he lost both his life and the vehicle. CCTV footage from the area where he picked up the passengers could help identify the culprits,” he said.

Police sources report that the truck involved in the collision has been detained, and investigations are underway to trace the robbers. Superintendent Nishat Tabassum of Feni Sadar Circle noted that multiple police teams are actively working on the case and that a thorough investigation has been initiated.

Incident Summary

Authorities urge locals to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity. The incident highlights the vulnerability of young drivers and the urgent need for increased highway security.