Man killed for protesting against gambling, drugs

A middle-aged man was murdered by a gang of armed miscreants in Metiabruz in the early hours of Saturday for protesting against anti-social activities, which included running of gambling and liquor dens, drugs smuggling and theft of electricity.

The victim, Nazrul Islam, was a resident of Badartala in Lichubagan. The 47-year-old zari worker was known for being vocal against illegal activities in the area. According to his family members, Nazrul, alias Pappu, even helped many local youth secure jobs so that they would stay away from drugs.

He, however, faced regular threats for his protests, they said. Nazrul recently became target of the anti-socials after they started an illegal business which has thrived on electricity theft. He once again protested against the menace, which involved channelling an electric supply line by illegal means to one household from where it was later distributed to multiple households against a monthly fee. Many locals alleged that the police remained silent to the issue. At around 12.30 am on Saturday, when Nazrul was taking rest in a small room adjoining his residence, five miscreants attacked him with rods and shovels and started beating him.

They later hacked him to death with a chopper, preliminary investigations revealed. The gang fled as Nazrul’s neighbours rushed to the spot after hearing his screams. Nazrul was declared brought dead at SSKM Hospital.

The body was sent for post-mortem. Nazrul’s family lodged a complaint with the police against five local miscreants — Alam, Nasim, Iqbal, Dayan and Ahmed — who they alleged are behind the illegal activities.

His wife Salma Bibi claimed, “My husband was murdered in a pre-planned way because he used to protest against the illegal activities in the locality.” The police initiated a case on murder charge under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.

Asked why Nazrul was killed, acting deputy commissioner of police (port) Bishwajit Ghosh said, “The motive is under investigation.” Later, one of the accused, Alam, was arrested in connection with the incident. Four others are absconding.