Pabna, MAY 28 (V7N) – A nine-year-old boy in Pabna has been inhumanly tortured, allegedly kicked repeatedly in the face, chest, and throat, for the "crime" of picking date palm fruits. The shocking incident, which occurred last Wednesday, May 21, in Gopalnagar village of Faridpur upazila, came to light on Monday, May 26, after a video of the assault went viral on social media, prompting outrage and condemnation across the community.

The victim, Rakib Uddin, had reportedly climbed a date palm tree near his house, accompanied by his two three-year-old cousins, Imadul Hossain and Sifat Ullah, to pick some dates. Their brief moment of joy was shattered when the tree owner, identified as Mirza Molla, suddenly appeared.

According to accounts, Mirza Molla allegedly dragged Rakib down from the tree and mercilessly began kicking him in the face, chest, and neck. Despite the child's desperate pleas, Molla reportedly continued the assault and even threatened the "ignorant" child with an axe before eventually releasing him.

The accused, Mirza Molla, son of the deceased Abdul Kobad Molla of Mridhapara village, has been in hiding since the incident gained public attention.

Rakib's father, Zafar Pramanik, stated that the family was initially unaware of the horrific assault, believing Rakib may have been too scared to disclose it. It was only after watching the viral video on Facebook on Monday morning that they learned of the brutality inflicted upon their son. "I cannot believe that anyone could commit such inhuman torture," a distraught Pramanik said. He has since filed a written complaint against Mirza Molla at the Faridpur police station, seeking justice.

Faridpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Hasnat Zaman confirmed the incident, noting that the victim's family learned of the assault through social media. He stated that a written complaint was filed on Monday morning and that efforts to apprehend the absconding Mirza Molla are ongoing. "We will investigate and take legal action," OC Zaman assured.

Attempts to contact Mirza Molla on Tuesday were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was switched off and he could not be located at his home. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many demanding swift justice for the young victim.

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