IU student beaten by local grocer over cigarette bill

The incident took place at a grocery store named "EB Mart" near the Shah Azizur Rahman Hall pocket gate around dusk.

The victim was identified as Jahid Hasan, a first-year student of the Department of Law (2023–24 session). The accused shopkeeper, Elias, operates a grocery store adjacent to the university campus.

According to the victim and eyewitnesses, Jahid bought a cigarette from Elias's shop while heading toward Shekhpara Bazar. Lacking cash, Jahid informed the shopkeeper that he would withdraw money from a nearby bKash agent to settle the bill. Although Elias initially agreed, he followed Jahid to the next shop.

After withdrawing the money and paying the bill, a verbal altercation broke out between the two. Jahid alleged that Elias suddenly grabbed him by the collar and assaulted him before local residents intervened to separate them.

CCTV footage of the incident showed Elias entering the store where Jahid was withdrawing money, shouting, "Why did you run away?" When Jahid responded, Elias was seen grabbing his collar and striking him.

Describing the incident, Jahid said, "I asked if he accepted bKash or Nagad. When he said no, I mentioned I would withdraw cash nearby and pay him. After I paid the bill, I casually remarked that he did not need to follow me like that. Suddenly, he grabbed my collar and slapped me."

Denying the assault allegations, Elias claimed, "The student left abruptly without paying after I said I did not accept online payments. I followed him because he left without settling the Tk 10 bill. He was the one who assaulted me; I only asked why he ran off."

Addressing the situation, IU Proctor Professor Dr Shahinuzzaman said, "I have been informed of the off-campus incident and am currently at the spot investigating. Both parties have been asked to appear at the Proctor's Office to resolve the matter."