Bangladesh: Hindu Salon Owner Stabbed to Death Over Unpaid Haircut Bills, One Arrested

According to local media reports and police statements, a 43-year-old Hindu salon owner was allegedly stabbed to death in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district following a dispute over unpaid haircut bills and credit. The incident was reported by Bangladeshi media outlet Prothom Alo and local authorities.

Incident Details and Police Reports

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the Jamirdia area of Bhaluka upazila. The deceased was identified as Rabindra Rishi, who owned the Apurba Hair Cutting salon at Muktijoddha Market. According to a murder complaint filed by Rishi's mother, Sulak Rani Rishi, at the Bhaluka Model Police Station, the attack took place at approximately 5:30 pm local time.

Police stated that a 28-year-old man, identified as Saddam Hossain, was arrested in connection with the killing and produced before a court, which subsequently sent him to jail. The court scheduled a hearing for November 1 regarding a police request for a five-day remand to question the accused.

Witness Statements and Allegations

• According to Prothom Alo, at least 10 stab wounds were found on Rishi's throat, larynx, chest, back, and hands.
• Rishi's wife, Suchitra Rani Rishi, told local media that the accused frequently demanded money for drugs, refused to pay for haircuts, and had threatened her husband days before the incident.
• The police complaint alleges that Hossain entered the salon with a sharp knife while Rishi was talking to his brother, Manik Rishi, and attacked him repeatedly.
• The complaint states Rishi attempted to flee to a nearby shop and a courtyard, where he was pursued and continued to be stabbed before succumbing to his injuries.

Context and Ongoing Investigation

This incident follows recent reports from Bangladeshi media regarding the killing of a 55-year-old Hindu schoolteacher, Manoranjan Roy, who was reportedly beaten to death during a land dispute arbitration meeting in Dinajpur district. Authorities stated that investigations into the salon owner's killing are ongoing.

Verification and Practical Implications

Readers seeking to verify the original reporting can consult reports from Bangladeshi news outlets such as Prothom Alo or updates issued by the Bhaluka Model Police Station.