Two beaten to death in Manikganj after missing child’s body recovered

The 8-year-old was found at night with hands and legs tied in a nearby cornfield

A “mob” has beaten two men to death in Manikganj Sadar Upazila following the discovery of a missing child's body in a cornfield.

The incident, which has left a third person fighting for his life, occurred at Bonparil of Hatipara Union around midnight on Thursday, according to Manikganj Sadar Police chief Md Ekram Hossain.

The 8-year-old girl, known only as Atika, was the daughter of Saudi expatriate Dudul Mia and a first-grade student at Bonparil Dakhil Madrasa.

The two men killed in the retaliatory attack have been identified as Pannu Mia, 37, a local rickshaw puller, and his brother Md Fazlu, 28.

Pannu’s 15-year-old son, identified only as Nazmul, was also severely assaulted and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Citing locals, Sadar Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Aminul Islam said Atika went missing around 5pm on Thursday.

Her family conducted a frantic search, using loudspeakers to alert the village and posting appeals on social media.

After several hours of searching, locals discovered her bound body in a cornfield near her home around 10pm.

The discovery sparked immediate outrage and grief throughout the neighbourhood.

Locals suspect the child may have been murdered for her gold jewellery.

In the heat of the moment, they cornered three members of one family on suspicion of involvement.

Pannu and Fazlu died at the scene from the injuries sustained during the beating, while Nazmul was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Police arrived shortly after to restore order in the area.

Officer Ekram noted that the child’s body has been sent for postmortem examination and legal action will be taken against those involved in the lynching.

He added that tension persists in the area, with additional police deployed.