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pending against him at different police stations.

Mohammadpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman confirmed that a DNC team conducted a raid at Akubbar’s home in Charpara village around 10:00am and detained him.

“During questioning, he allegedly refused to provide information, prompting members of the team to beat him,” said the OC, quoting locals and Akubbar’s family.

“He fell ill and was first taken to a village doctor. When the practitioner refused to provide treatment, Akubbar was taken to the district Sadar hospital, where the on-duty doctor declared him dead,” the OC told The Daily Star.

Angered by the incident, villagers attacked DNC personnel and injured one of them. Police later rescued them from the scene.

A general diary has been filed and the body has been sent for autopsy. If the death is found to have been caused by assault, a case will be filed accordingly, the police officer said.

Contacted by The Daily Star, Dr Sadia Selina Jhora, an emergency department physician at Magura 250-bed Sadar Hospital, said the man was brought dead to the hospital around 12:15pm. “The exact cause of death will be determined after an autopsy.”

Speaking to this correspondent, Sub-Inspector of Magura DNC Sahara Yasmin said an 11-member team conducted the raid based on prior information and recovered approximately half a kilogram of cannabis from the suspect’s house. He was then arrested and a seizure list was prepared.

“After his arrest, we handcuffed him and were preparing to take him away when he suddenly fell ill. His family also said he was unwell. On humanitarian grounds, we removed the handcuffs and left him inside the house.

“We were outside near our vehicle when we heard he had become seriously ill. Soon after, locals got agitated, attacked us and vandalised our vehicle,” she said, denying the allegation that DNC officials beat Akubbar.

Deputy Director of the Magura DNC, Md Nasir Uddin, could not be reached for comment despite several attempts.