In a disturbing incident in Sitakunda, Chattogram, the body of Sukumar Das (80), a caretaker of the Loknath Temple, was found hanging near his residence. The discovery, made on Monday, October 14, 2024, has sparked confusion and concern among local residents and authorities, who are yet to determine whether the death was a suicide or a homicide.
The incident occurred in the Madhyam Mahmudabad area of Barabkunda Union in Sitakunda Upazila. According to local sources, Sukumar Das’s body was discovered hanging from an amla tree by the pond adjacent to his home. Police arrived at the scene around 11:00 AM and recovered the body, which was later sent to the morgue at Chattogram Medical College Hospital for an autopsy.
Sukumar Das, a respected figure in the community, had been serving as the caretaker of the Loknath Temple, which he himself had established. He lived in the area with his family, which includes four sons and four daughters. His sudden and tragic death has left the community in shock.
Eyewitness Accounts and Family Allegations
On-site observations revealed that Sukumar Das’s body was found suspended from the tree with a rope. A crowd of curious onlookers gathered at the scene, adding to the tension.
Sukumar Das’s second son, Jhantu Das, expressed strong doubts about the possibility of suicide. He claimed that his father could not have taken his own life, citing the unusual positioning of the body. “The way his body was touching the ground, it is impossible for someone to hang themselves like that. He was murdered and then hung from the tree,” Jhantu alleged.
Community and Police Response
Local residents and family members described Sukumar Das as a man of routine and discipline. He reportedly followed a strict daily schedule, which included having dinner by 8:00 PM, sleeping early, and waking up before dawn to offer prayers at the temple. His dedication to the temple and his community made his sudden death all the more shocking.
Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Mojibur Rahman of Sitakunda Police Station confirmed that the body was recovered based on information provided by local residents. A preliminary report has been prepared, but the exact cause of death remains unclear. “At this stage, we cannot confirm whether it was a suicide or a homicide. The body has been sent for autopsy, and we will proceed with the investigation based on the findings,” OC Rahman stated.
He also noted that the circumstances surrounding the death appeared suspicious after speaking with locals. A formal case will be filed once the autopsy report is available.
Background and Context
Sukumar Das had been the caretaker of the Loknath Temple since its establishment. His role as a spiritual guide and community leader earned him respect and admiration. The temple, a place of worship and community gathering, has been a cornerstone of the local Hindu community.
The incident has raised questions about the safety and security of religious caretakers and the broader implications of family disputes in rural areas. While the investigation is still in its early stages, the case has drawn attention to the need for thorough and impartial inquiries into such incidents.
Date: October 14, 2024
