Journalist’s Parents Hacked and Wounded in Faridpur

In Madhukhali, Faridpur, unidentified assailants brutally attacked and wounded three individuals, including the parents of Sougata Basu, a correspondent for the daily Ajker Patrika. According to police, they were injured by sharp weapons while attempting to thwart a robbery. The injured have been admitted to Faridpur Medical College Hospital.

The incident took place on Friday (January 3) at around 8:30 p.m. in Dumain village of the upazila.

The victims include Sougata Basu’s father, freedom fighter Shyamalendu Basu (66), his mother, Kakuli Basu (61), and their teenage neighbor, Preeti Malo (16).

Family sources reported that while watching television that night, they suddenly noticed a person inside the house. When they chased him, he moved to the second floor. At that point, the intruder attacked Shyamalendu Basu with a sharp weapon. When others intervened, they too were assaulted before the assailant fled.

Sougata’s aunt, Shukla Basu, said, “At around 8:30 p.m., they made a video call to me in a bloodied state, pleading for help. I alerted the neighbors, who rescued them and took them to Faridpur Medical College Hospital.”

Sougata Basu stated, “My parents live at home, and Preeti stays to look after them. All of them are now seriously injured. However, we have no enmity with anyone. Moreover, if someone intended to steal, why would they come at that time? Nothing was stolen. This was a planned attack or something else entirely.”

Jibon Mondal, a member of Ward No. 6 of Dumain Union Parishad, remarked that the assailants entered Shyamalendu’s house with the intent of robbery or burglary. “Hearing their screams, neighbors rushed in and found Shyamalendu, his wife, and the girl severely wounded. The girl had been struck on her head and body with a steel rod.”

Dr. Arnab of the Surgery Department at Faridpur Medical College Hospital stated that Shyamalendu Basu suffered severe head injuries, including a skull fracture with heavy bleeding. He recommended transferring the patient to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Faridpur’s Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime and Operations), Shailen Chakma, noted that initial investigations suggest the incident stemmed from an attempted burglary. Legal actions are underway regarding the matter.