Sarishabari (Jamalpur) Correspondent
A hawker has been accused of assaulting an innocent teenage boy and portraying him as a "thief" in a video that was later circulated on social media in Sarishabari, Jamalpur. The incident has sparked widespread outrage online, with many netizens demanding the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of the accused hawker, Sujon.
According to local sources, the boy, identified by the pseudonym Nirab, is a seventh-grade student from a respected family in Hatkhola area under Pingna Union. His parents were highly educated, and his father was a bank officer. His mother died of a stroke several years ago, and his father also passed away later. He is currently living under the care of his stepmother and relatives while continuing his education.
Recently, Nirab travelled by train with a physically challenged teenage boy from Shahidnagar Railway Station to Ibrahimabad Railway Station. During the journey, Sujon, a chanachur vendor on the train who was previously acquainted with Nirab, allegedly used the boy to create a video. The video reportedly portrayed Nirab as a money thief and was subsequently circulated across various social media platforms.
After the video came to the attention of local residents, strong criticism emerged on social media over the alleged act of falsely branding the innocent boy as a thief. It was also alleged that Nirab was physically assaulted during the recording of the video, leaving him with a cut on his lip.
After learning of the incident, residents from Nirab's locality went to Sarishabari Police Station and, with police assistance, visited the home of the accused hawker, Sujon. Although it was learnt that Sujon apologised for the incident, local residents refused to accept the apology, expressing anger over the damage caused to the reputation and dignity of a helpless teenager. They demanded a proper investigation and strict legal action against the accused.
Sarishabari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Iqbal Hossain said, "The matter does not fall under our jurisdiction. As it occurred on a train, the Railway Police or GRP will be able to comment."
Jamalpur Railway Police Station Officer-in-Charge Robiul Islam said, "I came to know about the matter through the OC of Sarishabari Police Station. However, we have not yet received any written complaint. After being informed, Sarishabari and Tangail Railway Police were asked to investigate which train and location were involved in the incident."
