Man dies after assault over alleged rape in Narayanganj

Police say it is yet unclear whether any rape attempt actually occurred

Beaten and left critically injured over a rape allegation, a young man in Narayanganj has died eight hours later in a hospital at Narayanganj.

Abu Hanif, 30, a security guard from Shyamnagar, Bagerhat and son of Abul Kalam, succumbed to his injuries at Narayanganj 300-Bed Hospital at 8pm on Monday, according to emergency medical officer Dr Shahadat Hossain.

Several local residents brought him to the hospital around 3pm in serious condition and left, the doctor added.

“By 6pm, family members arrived. He had severe injuries on his body and head,” he said.

Sadar Model Police chief Mohammad Nasir Ahmed said, “At noon, a group of local youths beat the man after accusing him of attempted rape. He was dragged from his home to the Khanpur Jora Tanki area and assaulted.”

Hanif’s younger sister Rabeya, who gave a single name, said: “Around noon, some men came to our house and dragged my brother while beating him. They didn’t listen to our protests or explain why. Later, they claimed he wanted to rape a child, but we don’t know who or when.”

The victim’s brother-in-law Md Ibrahim said, “I was on duty initially. I received a call that some locals were causing trouble. When I arrived, I couldn’t find anyone at home.

“Later, they dragged my wife and me to Khanpur near the WASA office, where they had confined Hanif inside. About 10–12 youths were involved, including a local named Abhi. Eventually, he was forced into an auto and taken elsewhere. Much later, we found him in the hospital.”

Hanif lived in a rented house in Khanpur. His wife had taken their three children to their native village a few days ago.

Crying at the hospital, his father Abul Kalam said: “If my son committed a crime, the law would punish him. But they killed him -- on what grounds? I demand justice.”

Officer Nasir said police have launched an investigation.

“No one previously reported any rape attempt at our station. We recovered the body at the hospital. It is yet unclear whether any attempt actually occurred. The police are working on it.”