3 bodies recovered from hill area in Cox’s Bazar

Police have recovered the bodies of three men in a bloodied condition from a remote hilly area of Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar district, raising concerns over possible links to abduction and human trafficking activities.

The bodies were found on Tuesday morning around 10:30 AM in the rugged hills of North Shilkhali area of the upazila. 

The deceased were identified as Rabi Alam, son of Ruhul Amin; Mujibur Ullah, son of Nurul Kabir; and Nurul Boshor, son of Nurul Islam. All three were residents of Shilkhali village under Baharchhara union in the upazila.

Police said one victim was found dead at the scene, while two others were taken to Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital in critical condition, where they later died on the way.

According to police and local sources, the victims were allegedly associated with a known gang involved in robbery and human trafficking.

Teknaf Model Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Saiful Islam said the bodies were recovered from the hill area with visible injuries, including stab wounds and head trauma. 

He added that the incident is suspected to be linked to disputes over kidnapping and human trafficking and a thorough investigation is underway.

Baharchhara Union Parishad Chairman Amjad Hossain Khokon also confirmed that the victims had multiple injuries caused by sharp weapons and blunt force, suggesting a violent confrontation possibly related to trafficking or abduction conflicts.

Family members of the victims, however, expressed uncertainty over the motive behind the killings. 

The father of one victim, Ruhul Amin, said his son was taken out at night and later found dead in the hills the next morning.

Locals, including a woodcutter who spoke on condition of anonymity, said incidents of hostage-taking in the hill areas have increased recently, with occasional sounds of distress being heard. They suspect the killings may have resulted from internal clashes among armed groups involved in such activities.

Residents also said that armed abduction and human trafficking networks have long been active in the hilly regions of Baharchhara, leaving at least 5,000 people living in fear. 

The incident has created widespread concern in the area as authorities continue their investigation.

SU/SH