‘Treated’ by quack, cancer patient dies

A cancer patient died while he was undergoing treatment by a local quack at Chatodda of Chandina upazila on Monday.

The dead, Shamim Khan, 45, son Mahbub Khan of Matlab Dakkhin upazila, went to Abul Kalam for a cure for his disease. 

Shamin approached Kalam as the quack's cohorts claimed that he could treat incurable diseases like cancer and also rid people of evil spirits.

Kalam asked Shamim to bring 107 bottles of rose water and eight pieces of gamchas, a traditional cotton towel.

When Shamim brought the items, Kalam asked him to drink all the bottles of rose water. After drinking 60 bottles of the flavoured water, Shamim began feeling sick and said he could not drink anymore.

However, Kalam forced him to drink from the remaining bottles.  

At one stage, Shamim became unconscious and then died on the spot.

News of his death incensed locals. A mob picked up Kalam and handed him over to police. 

Shamsul Islam, officer-in-charge of Chandina Police Station confirmed the incident.

A case was filed against Abul Kalam.

Asaduzzaman, inspector (investigation) of Chandina Police Station, said primary investigation showed that the allegation against Kalam was true.

Shamim's body was later sent to Comilla Medical College Hospital for an autopsy.