Garden Owner Beaten to Death Over Litchi Theft in Saltha

A 65-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death in Saltha upazila on Wednesday evening following a dispute over stealing litchis from his orchard.

The deceased, Azizur Rahman Molla, was a resident of Fulbaria village.

According to police and local sources, the conflict began when Shakil and Tushar Munshi, sons of Mosharraf Munshi from the neighboring Charbangrail village, were caught stealing litchis from Azizur’s garden. Azizur’s son, Akram Molya, confronted the duo, which led to Akram being attacked and beaten at Fulbaria Bazar earlier that afternoon.

Upon hearing of the assault on his son, Azizur Rahman went to the market around 6:30 pm to seek an explanation. Witnesses alleged that a group, including Shakil and Tushar, attacked the elderly man with bamboo sticks, leaving him critically injured.

Locals rushed Azizur to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where attending doctors declared him dead at approximately 9:00 pm.

The incident sparked intense tension in the area. Police moved in quickly to restore order and have maintained a presence to prevent further violence.

"A man was killed following a dispute over litchis. He was declared dead after being brought to the hospital with severe injuries," said Muhammad Al Fahad, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Nagarkanda Circle). He added that law enforcement is currently working to identify and arrest the suspects, and legal proceedings are underway.