Mobile mechanic stabbed to death in Cox’s Bazar over Tk800 payment dispute

A mobile phone mechanic was allegedly stabbed to death in Cox’s Bazar’s Eidgaon upazila over a dispute involving Tk800 in unpaid repair charges.

The incident took place around 10:30am today in the South Lorabagh area under Jalalabad union of Eidgaon upazila.

The deceased was identified as Abdul Hamid, 20, son of Abul Kalam of the same area. He worked as a mobile phone mechanic and was also employed at a local business establishment, confirmed Eidgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge ATM Shifatul Mojumder.

Police detained the accused, Mohammad Shamim, 21, son of Mohammad Siddique and a neighbour of the victim.

The victim’s cousin Mohammad Saifuddin said Shamim had repaired a mobile phone at Hamid’s shop around a month ago.

“As they were neighbours and knew each other, Shamim took the phone without paying, promising to clear the bill later because he did not have money at the time,” he said.

However, Hamid repeatedly asked for the Tk800 repair charge after Shamim allegedly failed to pay for over a month.

Saifuddin said the shop owner had also pressured Hamid to recover the outstanding amount.

“At around 10:30am today, Hamid went to Shamim’s house to ask for the money. An argument broke out between them. At one stage, one of Shamim’s sisters slapped him and a scuffle began,” he alleged.

“Later, Shamim came from behind and stabbed Hamid, leaving him collapsed on the ground.”

According to family members, locals and relatives rushed to the scene after hearing about the incident.

The accused allegedly tried to flee but was chased and caught by locals before being handed over to police.

Hamid was first taken to a local clinic in Eidgaon. As his condition deteriorated, doctors referred him to Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital.

He died on the way to the hospital near Khurushkul area, relatives said.

The OC said police visited the scene after being informed about the incident.

“The accused was detained and handed over to police by locals,” he said.

The police official also stated that preliminary information suggested the incident stemmed from a dispute over unpaid mobile repair charges, although police were investigating the exact circumstances behind the killing.

He added that the body had been kept at Cox’s Bazar District Sadar Hospital morgue for autopsy.