In Chattogram’s Fatikchhari area, three teenagers were beaten after being tied up by local youths on suspicion of theft. One of them, seventh grader Rihan Mahin (15), died from the attack. His two friends, Rahat and Manik, are critically injured and receiving treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. Rihan’s mother, Khadija Akhter, has filed a case, and police have already arrested two accused.
The Incident
On Friday (22 August) early morning, Rihan and his two friends returned home from a trip to Cox’s Bazar. As they got down near Rihan’s father’s tea stall, some young men suddenly shouted “thief” and chased them.
The boys tried to escape and took shelter on the roof of an under-construction building. But the mob caught them, tied them up, and beat them brutally with sticks and local weapons on a bridge.
Rihan died from the torture. His two friends, Rahat (15) and Manik (14), survived but remain in critical condition at the hospital.
Mother’s Heartbreaking Cry
Rihan’s mother, Khadija Akhter, broke down in tears, holding her son’s sandals close to her chest. She said:
“My son begged for a little water before dying, but they didn’t even give him that. They beat him to death right in front of me.”
Read More: Teen Killed in Mob Beating Over Theft Suspicion
Rihan’s mother added,
“They killed my son just because he was friends with boys from another village. I want nothing else now—only the death penalty for those killers.”
Rihan’s Life and Dreams
Rihan was the only surviving child after his mother lost three children before. To her, his birth was like “winning the world.”
She dreamed of making him a Hafiz of the Quran and raising him into a good man. Just a few days earlier, Rihan had bought his mother a pair of bangles from the market—a gift that became his last.
Family Refuses Settlement
Rihan’s father, Lokman, who runs a tea stall, said:
“The killers are offering us money—10 lakh taka—to withdraw the case. But I will never sell my son.”
Police Action
His mother, Khadija filed a case naming five accused. Police arrested Mohammad Noman (22) and Mohammad Azad (23), while the other three—Nazim Uddin, Mohammad Tayeb, and Mohiuddin—are on the run.
Police suspect the attack was planned due to previous disputes, using theft as an excuse.
Chattogram Police Superintendent Saiful Islam visited the victim’s family and assured, “Those involved will face exemplary punishment.”
Voices from the Community
Manik’s grandmother:
“My grandson studies in class eight. How could they tie up and beat such young boys? We want justice.”
His uncle:
“The boys came back from Cox’s Bazar trip and fell victim to violent youths. We demand proper justice.”
Local residents: Some believe the attack was not about theft but due to rivalry between youths of different neighbourhoods.
This tragic event has left the entire village in shock and mourning.
Source: Prothom Alo
