Visually Impaired Youth Tortured by Hanging on a Tree in Sylhet; 1 Arrested

PNN News Desk | Sylhet

In Companyganj Upazila of Sylhet, a visually impaired youth was allegedly tortured by being hung from a tree over a theft accusation. The incident occurred on Thursday, December 4, in South Burdeo village. Photos and videos of the incident circulated on social media, sparking widespread outrage.

The victim, Jalal Mia (25), is the son of the late Ali Akbar of South Burdeo village and was born visually impaired.

According to his family, Jalal’s mother Shiria Begum filed a written complaint at the police station. Following the complaint, police arrested one of the accused, Arfan Ali (42), son of Usman Ali from the same village.

Locals said that money was allegedly stolen from Yunus Ali’s clothing in the early morning. Later, Yunus, his brother Arfan, and a few others found Jalal sleeping near the river and captured him. He was then tied to a tree and beaten. Despite being visually impaired, he was tortured without any questioning.

Jalal told police that he had no understanding of the incident and was taken by force while asleep.

Companyganj Police Station OC Ratan Sheikh stated, “As soon as Jalal’s mother filed the complaint, we sent police to rescue him. He has been admitted to the health complex. One person involved has been arrested, and efforts are underway to apprehend the others.”

Human rights activists have demanded swift arrests of all perpetrators and strict punishment for the abuse of a disabled person.