Barguna, Sept 20 (V7N) – The body of a missing battery-powered rickshaw driver was recovered from a paddy field in Patharghata upazila of Barguna, a day after he went missing.
 
The victim was identified as Riaz, 35, son of Mati Howlader from Koralia village under Patharghata Sadar Union. According to family sources, Riaz went out with his elder brother’s new battery-run rickshaw around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 18. Shortly afterward, his mobile phone was found switched off, and despite overnight searches by his family, he could not be located.
 
The family filed a general diary (GD) with the local police station the following day. Around 1 a.m. on Saturday, police recovered his body from a paddy field in Kazirhat area of Nachanapara Union. Later, his abandoned rickshaw was found in Pipulia Hogolpati area of Rayhanpur Union, stripped of its battery.
 
The murder has sparked outrage and grief in the area, with residents questioning whether the value of a rickshaw battery could outweigh the value of a human life. Locals have demanded swift identification of the perpetrators and exemplary punishment.
 
Patharghata Police Station Officer-in-Charge, (OC) Mohammad Mehedi Hasan confirmed that the body was taken to the police station and sent to Barguna Hospital morgue for post-mortem examination. He added that an investigation is underway to trace those responsible and bring them to justice.
 
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