Four Beaten, Heads Shaved at Jubo Dal Leader’s Office
Youths assaulted inside a Jubo Dal leader’s office. Screenshot from video.
Four young men accused of theft were allegedly beaten and had their heads shaved inside the office of a Jubo Dal leader in Rajshahi before being handed over to police, according to witnesses and a video obtained by Agamir Somoy.
The incident took place late Tuesday night at the office of Shakilur Rahman Ron, a member of Rajshahi Metropolitan Jubo Dal and a candidate for councilor of Ward No. 18.
Witnesses said the four men, including Abdus Samad and Deb, were accused of stealing cigarette packs and cash from Raju Tea Stall in the city’s Biman Chattar area. They were detained by locals on suspicion of theft and taken to Ron’s office.
According to allegations, several men, including Ward No. 18 BNP member Hasan and Mintu, beat the four with wooden planks in Ron’s presence. The victims’ heads were later shaved, and the entire incident was recorded on mobile phones.
The video reviewed by Agamir Somoy shows the four men being beaten one by one as they scream in pain and plead for mercy. The assault continues despite their cries, and their heads are eventually shaved while several bystanders record the incident on their phones.
Witnesses said the four men were later handed over to Shah Makhdum Police Station.
When contacted, BNP leader Hasan said, “I’m on a motorcycle right now. I can’t hear you properly. I’ll speak with you later.”
Repeated attempts to reach Shakilur Rahman Ron by phone were unsuccessful.
Md. Belal, member secretary of Ward No. 18 Jubo Dal, said the four men were widely known in the area as suspected repeat thieves and had previously been accused of stealing from homes and businesses.
“However, bringing them to the office, beating them, and shaving their heads was not the right thing to do. I was not at the scene and learned about the incident later,” he said.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Jubo Dal Convener Md. Shariful Islam Jony said he was not yet aware of the incident.
“I will look into the matter. If such an incident occurred, it will be investigated and organizational action will be taken if necessary,” he said.
Faruk Hossain, officer-in-charge of Shah Makhdum Police Station, said local residents assaulted the four suspects before handing them over to police.
“A case was filed that same night over the alleged theft, and they were sent to court on Wednesday,” he said.
Responding to a question, the police official said the theft allegations formed the basis of the case but emphasized that taking the law into one’s own hands is illegal.
“No complaint has been filed regarding the assault so far. If a complaint is received, we will investigate and take legal action against those involved,” he said.
The video has since circulated widely on social media, sparking criticism across the area.
Many local residents said that while theft allegations should be investigated, only law enforcement agencies and the courts have the authority to determine guilt and impose punishment. They warned that acts of vigilante justice, including public assault and humiliation, could encourage more serious incidents in the future.
