A Bangladeshi cattle trader was found dead in a river along the border with India in Shibganj upazila of Chapainawabganj on Saturday night, a week after he had gone missing.
The deceased was identified as Shawkat Ali, 35, son of late Mizan of Tarapur Thuthapara village under Monakasha union in the upazila.
According to family members, Shawkat went towards the Indian border with several others on May 9 to bring cattle. While his companions later returned, Shawkat remained missing.
4 Indian cattle seized at Chapainawabganj border
Family members spotted the body floating in the Padma River late Saturday night and initially attempted to bury it quietly before police, acting on information, recovered the body and sent it to Chapainawabganj District Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
Locals alleged that members of India’s Border Security Force killed Shawkat and dumped his body in the river while he was returning with cattle.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shibganj Police Station Matiur Rahman said the body was partially decomposed, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of death immediately.
Godagari River Police Station OC Jibon Roy said multiple injury marks caused by sharp weapons were found on the body, particularly on the legs, hands and chest.
“It appears he was hacked to death in a planned way before the body was dumped in the river,” he said.
Commanding Officer of Border Guard Bangladesh 53 Battalion Lt Col Kazi Mostafizur Rahman said the exact cause of death cannot be confirmed before the autopsy report.
The border force is also investigating the incident, he said.