A young Hindu man in Bangladesh died after allegedly being humiliated and assaulted by a local shop owner over a minor unpaid debt, prompting outrage and calls for legal action.
The victim, Joy Mahapatro, a resident of Dirai Upazila in Sunamganj district, died at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment after consuming poison.
According to his cousin Ayan Das, Mahapatro had purchased a mobile phone for 5,500 taka (around Rs 4,000) from Amirul Islam, a grocery shop owner in the area. He reportedly paid 2,000 taka upfront and agreed to clear the remaining amount in weekly instalments of 500 taka (around Rs 360).
While most of the amount had been repaid, the final instalment was delayed. Das told a local media outlet that when Mahapatro went to Islam’s shop on Thursday to settle the dues, he was allegedly beaten, verbally humiliated, and had his mobile phone confiscated.
Also read: Main accused in Dipu Das lynching arrested in Bangladesh
Family members alleged that the public humiliation led Mahapatro to consume poison shortly after returning home. His mother, Shelly Mohapatro, said he informed the family about consuming poison, following which he was rushed to a local health facility and later referred to the Sylhet medical college hospital, where he died.
The shop owner denied the allegations, claiming Mahapatro still owed 2,500 taka and that he had only asked for the phone to be returned. He also denied forcing Mahapatro to consume poison.
Dirai police station Officer-in-Charge Enamul Haque Chowdhury said legal action would be initiated upon receipt of a written complaint.
Follow us
