UP member publicly shaves five youths’ heads at Patuakhali village arbitration

A three-member probe committee has been formed after initial verification of the incident, an official says

A Union Parishad member in Patuakhali’s Rangabali Upazila has been accused of forcibly shaving the heads of five youths in public as a form of punishment during a village arbitration following a skirmish.

Rangabali Upazila administrator (UNO) Rajib Das Purkaystha said a three-member inquiry committee had been formed on Monday after initial verification of the incident.

Around 10am on Sunday, Chotobaishdia Union Parishad Ward-9 member Reshad Khalifa allegedly ordered the punishment over a scuffle. The victims, aged between 17-21, said they have been left traumatised since then.

UNO Rajib said the committee will submit its report within three days. Action will be taken based on the findings.

According to police and locals, a dispute over land escalated into an altercation between two families on Friday, during which Monir Goldar was assaulted by Mozammel Mridha’s son.

Tensions flared again on Saturday night, leading to another quarrel and a brawl between their sons.