**Paikgachha (Khulna) Correspondent:**

A young man named Hasan (35) was allegedly beaten to death by a local Swechchhasebak Dal leader, Nazmul Huda Mintu, and his associates in Chandkhali Union No. 9 under Paikgachha Upazila of Khulna. The incident, which took place on Sunday afternoon, has triggered widespread tension in the area.

According to the victim’s family, Mintu had long been demanding an alleged share of profits from drug trading from Hasan. Additionally, Hasan was frequently pressured, assaulted, and threatened with lawsuits to vacate his tea stall near the Chandkhali cattle market. The suspects grew furious with Hasan after he rejected these demands.

The family claimed that between approximately 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM on Sunday, Mintu and his accomplices orchestrated a mob, labeling Hasan a thief, and tied him up before beating him severely. When Hasan’s elder brother Yasin and father Malek tried to intervene, they were also reportedly assaulted.

Family members stated that after being beaten in phases over a long period, Hasan’s physical condition deteriorated drastically. The attackers then attempted to hand him over to the police. However, seeing his critical condition, the police refused to detain him. Later, Mintu himself took Hasan to the Paikgachha Upazila Health Complex.

Hospital sources confirmed that the duty doctor declared Hasan dead upon arrival. Following the news of his death, Mintu reportedly switched off his mobile phone and fled. Other individuals involved in the incident have also gone into hiding.

As news of Hasan’s death spread, an angry mob—failing to find Mintu—vandalized the local Swechchhasebak Dal office used by him, according to local sources. The victim’s family stated that preparations are underway to file a case over the incident.

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### Allegations of Police Inaction

The victim’s relatives further alleged that the police were well aware of the assault beforehand. They claimed that Mintu shares a close relationship with the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Paikgachha Police Station, Kibria. According to them, several police officers had visited the spot before the incident at Mintu’s behest and threatened to arrest Hasan. No official statement has been received from the police regarding these allegations.

Local sources revealed that following the political regime change on August 5, serious allegations of extortion, land grabbing, and drug-related activities surfaced against Mintu in the area. Local traders and residents had previously staged human chains and protest rallies against his activities.

Attempts were made to contact the accused, Nazmul Huda Mintu, for his comments, but he could not be reached.