A young woman lost her right hand after her alleged lover reportedly entered her home in the middle of the night and attacked her with a sharp weapon in Meherpur town. Her father and mother were also injured when they rushed to protect their daughter.
The incident took place at around 1.30am on Wednesday, 26 August, at the residence of electronics trader Selim Hossain in the Lord Market area of Meherpur town. The accused, identified as Shawon, is the son of hotel businessman Abu Taleb of Mallikpara in the town.
The injured victims have been identified as Selim Hossain, his wife Rebeka Khatun and their daughter Smriti Akter. All three were initially taken to Meherpur 250-bed General Hospital in a critical condition. As their physical condition deteriorated, they were later referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.
According to local residents, Shawon and Smriti were reportedly in a romantic relationship. It remains unclear whether the couple had recently fallen into a dispute or whether there had been any other disagreement between them. Local people, however, suspect that the attack may have been linked to their relationship.
Police and local sources said Shawon entered the family home late at night and allegedly attacked Smriti with a sharp weapon. During the assault, her right hand was severed above the wrist. Hearing their daughter’s screams, her parents rushed in from an adjoining room. The attacker allegedly then struck both of them before fleeing the scene.
The incident caused panic in the neighbourhood as residents later gathered at the house after hearing about the attack. Local people helped rescue the three injured family members and took them to hospital for treatment.
Police were informed soon after the incident. Several teams from Meherpur Sadar Police Station visited the scene and began searching for Shawon. Officers are also examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged intrusion and attack as part of their investigation.
Meherpur Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Humayun Kabir confirmed the incident and said efforts were under way to arrest Shawon. Police are investigating the motive behind the attack and whether there had been any previous dispute between the accused and the victim.
The incident has caused considerable concern in Meherpur, particularly because the alleged attack took place inside the family home late at night. Police are continuing their efforts to locate the accused and establish the sequence of events leading up to the assault.
