Police recovered the body of a middle-aged woman from the banks of the Sugandha River in the Kheaghat area of Jhalakathi Municipality early Tuesday.
The deceased, identified as Nilufa Yasmin, had been missing since 10:00 pm on Monday. Her family and neighbors conducted a night-long search but were unable to locate her. Local residents spotted the body at approximately 6:00 am on Tuesday and immediately alerted the authorities.
Nilufa was the mother of local resident Ilias and a well-known figure in the Kheaghat area.
The family has alleged foul play, claiming the death was not accidental. Relatives pointed out that gold ornaments Nilufa was wearing—specifically from her nose and ears—were missing when the body was found. They also expressed doubt that a body would wash ashore so quickly if it were a simple case of drowning, suggesting a criminal motive behind the incident.
Jhalakathi Sadar Police recovered the body and sent it to the Jhalakathi Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
"The exact cause of death will be determined once we receive the autopsy report," a police official stated. The recovery has sparked tension and concern among local residents, who are demanding a thorough investigation and justice.
