A van driver in Rajshahi died after being subjected to prolonged torture by a mob on suspicion of theft and later sentenced to jail by a mobile court while critically injured, family members and officials said. Omar Faruk (38) died early Saturday morning, December 21, at Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, where he was taken from jail for treatment.
Faruk, a resident of Chanpara area of Bagmara upazila, was detained on Wednesday evening, December 18, by members of a local CNG drivers’ association on suspicion of stealing a battery. According to locals and family members, he was tortured for nearly two hours by a group of 20–25 people led by association leaders. During the torture, nails were driven into his hands and feet, he was stripped naked, dunked into a river on a cold night when he asked for water, and chilli powder was inserted into his body to force a confession.
Locals said that after Faruk’s condition became critical, a packet of marijuana was produced and police were informed. Executive Magistrate and Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Saiful Islam Bhuiyan later arrived at the scene and sentenced Faruk to seven days’ imprisonment and a Tk 100 fine for possession of one packet of marijuana. Instead of being taken for medical treatment, Faruk was sent to Rajshahi Central Jail that night.
Rajshahi Central Jail Senior Superintendent Shah Alam Khan said Faruk was brought to the jail in an injured condition and was sent to the hospital the following morning after his condition worsened. He died while undergoing treatment. After post-mortem examination, his body was handed over to his family.
Faruk’s parents said he was tortured on false charges because of poverty and denied that he used drugs. His mother Parul Begum said the administration failed to act against the perpetrators and sent her dying son to jail instead of providing treatment. Police said the family could file a case if they wished. The executive magistrate did not respond to repeated requests for comment, while the divisional commissioner said he was unaware of the incident and would look into the matter.
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