Boy, 8, hospitalised after alleged torture over theft accusation

An eight-year-old boy was allegedly confined and tortured for several hours over an accusation of theft in Mahadevpur upazila of Naogaon. He later fell ill after drinking pesticide at home and was admitted to hospital.

The boy, Md Mafi, is the son of Wahed-uz-Zaman of Saharai village in Raigaon Union. He is a first-grade student at Saharai Government Primary School.

According to local sources, Mafi went to Montaz’s shop in Saharai village around noon on Sunday (October 11). He was allegedly accused of touching the shop’s cash box and confined in a room beside the shop for several hours.

Montaz, his wife Nazma and people from nearby shops allegedly tied up and beat the child. Monaem Hossain Ronju, the owner of the shop room and a resident of Saharai village, was also accused of assisting in the alleged abuse.

After learning that the child had been confined, two female teachers and a school attendant, Firoz, went to the spot to secure his release. They were allegedly treated rudely and driven away.

Later, around 3:30pm, teacher Atiar Rasul visited the spot and requested that the child be handed over to his family. He reportedly got into an argument with Ronju, who allegedly called the teacher a thief and claimed that the stolen money was in his possession. The two were also involved in a scuffle.

Witnesses said the child was held and physically abused from noon until around 4pm. They also reported injury marks on different parts of his body.

After returning home, Mafi drank pesticide and fell ill in what was described as an attempted suicide. His family members rushed him to Patnitala Upazila Health Complex, where he received treatment. His condition has since improved.

Ronju said he arrived at the scene after hearing about the incident and tried to hand the child over to his guardians. He acknowledged that an unintended scuffle had occurred with the teacher.

Mahadevpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Omar Faruk said the child’s father had filed a written complaint with the police. Necessary legal action would be taken following an investigation.