Woman dies in arson attack
A physically challenged woman at the district's Kabirhat has been burnt to death allegedly by hired goons of a manpower agent after her father claimed back money he paid for sending his sons abroad.
Shirin Akter, 20, died at Noakhali Medical College Hospital around 10:00am Thursday, seven hours after the arson.
Four other family members injured by the gang were also admitted to the hospital.
Abdul Matin of Sribaddi village of the upazila, had taken Tk 5 lakh from his neighbour Tofazzal Hossain two years ago promising to send the latter's two sons to a foreign country. But he had failed to keep the pledge, Ranjit Barua, officer-in-charge of Kabirhat Police Station, told The Daily Star.
On the Eid-ul-Fitr night, the two were locked in a heated argument as Tofazzal asked for his money back, police and locals said.
Later around 3:00am, criminals allegedly led by Matin swooped on Tofazzal's house and beat up his wife Nurjahan Begum, their daughter Lucky and sons Sumon and Manik.
The gang also set fire to the house. All the family members but Shirin managed to get out of the burning house. Trapped inside, she suffered burns all over her body.
Tofazzal filed a case with Kabirhat Police Station against 15 persons, including Matin, in this connection.
Police arrested three locals -- Obaidul Haque, Russel and Sohag -- Thursday night suspecting their involvement in the arson.
Obaidul Quader, a ruling party lawmaker, visited the spot on Thursday and assured the family of exemplary punishment to those involved in the incident.
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