Robbers attack ambulance carrying body; 9 hurt

A group of armed robbers attacked an ambulance carrying a deceased cancer patient in Nasirnagar upazila of Brahmanbaria early yesterday.

Failing to extort their desired amount of money and valuables, the assailants attacked the family members with sharp weapons and even allegedly struck the corpse, leaving at least nine people, including the driver, injured.

According to police and victims, the incident occurred around 1:00am at Tilpara area under Burishwar union. The deceased, Sabdar Ali of Purbobhagh union, died while taking treatment at Dhaka Ahsania Mission Cancer Hospital.

Shortly after his death, his body was being transported home in an ambulance when the vehicle was intercepted by a gang of robbers.

The robbers had blocked the road by felling trees, forcing the ambulance to a halt. They then attacked the vehicle, vandalised it, and assaulted the passengers. The robbers looted nine mobile phones and around Tk 50,000 in cash from the grieving family members.

"The robbers were enraged as we couldn't give them more money," said one of the victims. "They even struck the body of our father with local weapons. It was inhuman."

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Tapan Sarkar of the Sarail Circle said, "The area is considered high-risk, and locals have been advised to inform police before travelling at night so that security protocol can be arranged. Several people were injured, and mobile phones were snatched. We are conducting drives to arrest those involved."