Shawdesh Desk:

A college student was allegedly murdered after being thrown from the rooftop of a four-story dormitory in Kushtia town on Tuesday night.

Additional superintendent of police, Abu Russell, confirmed the incident.

The deceased has been identified as Rubel Hossain, 22, son of Shahidul Islam from village Mirzapur in Kumarkhali upazila. Rubel was a sixth-semester student in the Power Department at Kushtia Polytechnic Institute. He used to live at the third floor of a four-storey building in Courtpara area of Kushtia.

According to police, local people found Rubel with his hands and feet tied with a white rope and his mouth covered with a red piece of cloth. Later, he was rushed to Kushtia General Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, but he died from his injuries on the way at around 12:30am, said doctors.

Anisur Rahman, a fellow student at the hostel who took Rubel to the hospital, said that they lived at the third floor with nine others across three rooms, with Rubel sharing a room with two others. Around 10:30pm, they heard shouting from Rubel’s room and rushed downstairs to find him tied up and lying on the ground. With the help of locals, they took him to the hospital.

Rubel had seemed worried since the afternoon. In the evening, they had discussed the expenses for the hostel, but he had no idea how the incident occurred or who was responsible, Anisur added.

Kamrul Hasan Shuvo, a witness, reported that when he arrived at the hostel at about 12:30am, the police were questioning Rubel’s roommates, Hridoy and Raisul, along with others.

Local residents demanded a thorough investigation and exemplary punishment for the culprits.

Another local, Mahim said that the rooftop of the building is usually kept locked with only the owner and one student having access to the key. Mahim believes that the police will uncover more details through questioning.

Mithun Chakraborty, on-duty physician at Kushtia General Hospital, said that Rubel was admitted to the hospital at about 11:00pm in a critical condition with head injuries.

Additional superintendent of police Abu Russell said that the case was under investigation.

Legal action would be taken against those involved, he added.