Two Children Reportedly Tied and Beaten Over Hilsa Theft Allegation in Patuakhali

In Galachipa upazila of Patuakhali, two boys were allegedly tied up and physically assaulted after being accused of stealing hilsa fish.

The incident took place on Monday at Notun Sluice Bazar in Char Mohiuddin, under the Char Biswas union. Locals have accused union parishad member Hasan Sardar of beating the children, binding their hands and legs, and even demanding money as a fine.

One of the victims has been identified as Abdullah (10), from Mahishkota village in Mirzaganj, who lives with his grandfather Shahjahan. Abdullah was later admitted to the Galachipa Upazila Health Complex for treatment. The other victim is a boy from Char Agosti in Galachipa.

Photos circulated on social media show the children tied up, with hilsa fish forced into their hands.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to locals, the boys had gone fishing on Sunday night and slept on a boat near the sluice ghat. The following morning, a fish trader named Imran Boyati accused them of stealing 10 hilsa from his storage. The boys were then allegedly beaten, tied, and made to sit in the sun. They were also forced to hold hilsa fish for staged photographs, which later spread online.

Grandfather Shahjahan said:

> “I found my grandson and another boy tied under the sun. When I protested, Hasan insulted me and demanded Tk 10,500. Since I couldn’t pay, he forced me to sign a blank paper before releasing Abdullah. My grandson’s legs are swollen and bruised from the torture.”

Abdullah himself described the ordeal:

> “We were asleep on the boat. In the morning, they caught us, tied our hands and legs, beat us, and made us hold fish while they took pictures.”

Accused Responds

Hasan Sardar denied inflicting torture but admitted that he imposed a fine:

> “They were accused of stealing 10 hilsa. I fined them Tk 10,500. As their guardians couldn’t pay, I took their signatures on a blank paper.”

Fish trader Imran Boyati added:

> “We caught them stealing. To prevent them from running away, we tied them up. Such disputes are usually settled locally.”

Police Statement

Ashadur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of Galachipa Police Station, confirmed that authorities are aware of the matter:

> “We have asked the victims to submit a written complaint.”