Cumila family death: ‘Planned at night, attacked by morning’

Local residents claim the dead were involved in “drug trading”

The attack and murder of three in a house in Cumilla’s Muradnagar Upazila was premeditated, according to claims made by the victims’ family.

They said the incident began from a dispute over a stolen mobile phone, alleging the attack was planned on Wednesday and carried out the day after.

Some local residents, however, said the family has long been involved in drug-related activities and several members have pending drug cases against them.

Given their influence in the area, locals believe the attack could also have been linked to these alleged criminal ties.

According to police, the incident occurred at Koroibari village in the Upazila’s Bangra Bazar Thana around 9am on Thursday, alleging drug dealing and criminal activities.

The dead have been identified as Roksana Akhtar Rubi, 55, her son Rasel Mia, 28, and her daughter Jonaki Akhtar, 22.

Rubi's daughter Rumi Akhtar, 30, was injured. She has been admitted to Comilla Medical College Hospital.

The three-storey house sits adjacent to the road. Bloodstains are visible just inside the gate, where Rasel was allegedly beaten to death.

At the backyard, more bloodstains can be seen. Rubi and Jonaki were reportedly beaten to death there.

The second floor of the house has been vandalised. Nearly all the glass panes in the windows have been shattered.

Speaking at the residence, Rasel’s wife, Meem Akhter, denied the allegations of drug involvement against their family.

Meem said a boy named Maruf, who was a family acquaintance, was caught stealing a mobile phone a few days earlier. There, Rubi went to intervene and rescue him.

During the incident, she got into an argument with another local Bashir, identified with a single name.

Some public representatives were also present at the time, and Ruby had a disagreement with them as well.

Meem said, “They planned the attack on Wednesday evening, and they carried it out the next morning.

“Our house was vandalised, but I never imagined three people would be beaten to death like this.”

However, another resident Mostafa Ahmed said Rubi has been involved in drug dealing in this area for 40 years.

Her family had also been causing harm by involving others in drug-related activities, he added.

He said, “The villagers became enraged and attacked them. The house was vandalised, and three people were killed in the mob lynching.”

Bangra Bazar Police Station chief Mahfuzur Rahman also said the family was involved in the drug trade.

During a visit to the scene, Cumilla Superintendent of Police Nazer Ahamed Khan said: “Police have recovered three bodies. If anyone commits any criminal activity in the area, locals should hand him over to police.

“Those involved in this murder will be brought to justice.”