Prime accused still at large, cop drive on

The prime accused allegedly involved in shaving the heads of a couple at Hatilet Dublakhola village in Phulbaria upazila are yet to be arrested, seven days after the incident.

Last Wednesday, some village arbitrators shaved the heads of Laxmi Rani Cooch, 30, and her husband Koyes Cooch, 35, both day labourers from a small ethnic community of the village, alleging Laxmi's relations with a person of the same area.

The allegation was found baseless, said ward member Sekandar Ali Akanda, quoting locals.

After making the couple walk around the village with shoes hung around their necks, the arbitrators also ordered them to pay a fine of Tk 40,000.

A mob allegedly led by Kalimohan Barman and Naren Barman perpetrated the heinous act. They also beat up the couple with shoes in front of hundreds of villagers.

Laxmi filed a case against 12 named people, including three women, with Phulbaria Police Station on Sunday evening.

Talking to the Daily Star, Koyes said he has to maintain a family of four members, including two daughters -- Bristi, a Class III student, and Beauty, 7, who is physically challenged. 

“As I was beaten up badly, I am taking medicines and not physically fit to go out for work,” lamented Koyes. “I got financial help of Tk 6,000 so far, including Tk 5,000 from the local union parishad,” he added.

Police on Monday arrested Dukhiram Cooch, 45, of the village for his alleged involvement in this brutal torture, but he was not named in the case, police said.

Police drives are on to arrest the accused, said Rifat Khan Rajib, officer-in-charge of Phulbaria Police Station.