A heartbreaking scene unfolded at the Badarganj Police Station in Rangpur, where parents reached a breaking point due to their 15-year-old son's drug addiction and habitual theft. The father, visibly distraught, broke down in tears before the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Badarganj Police Station, Hasan Zahid Sarkar. He explained that the family has been forced to sell their last remaining assets—two cows and two goats—to pay fines imposed by village councils following the boy's repeated thefts.
The incident came to light on Friday afternoon when the teenager was caught by locals while attempting to steal a battery-operated rickshaw. After being beaten by the crowd, the boy was rescued by police and brought to the station. His mother, overwhelmed with grief, described how widespread drug abuse in their village has ruined her son over the past two years. She pleaded with the authorities to help rehabilitate him, stating that they lack the financial means for medical treatment.
Upon arrival at the station, the teenager was in a fragile state, struggling to stand due to the injuries sustained from the beating. He appeared terrified and repeatedly asked for water. His father lamented that his son is a 'habitual thief' who gets caught every time, leaving the family to bear the brunt of the financial penalties. The parents expressed their utter helplessness, noting that they are now socially ostracized and financially destitute.
The victim of the attempted theft, a rickshaw puller named Samchher Ali, had left his vehicle unattended with the key in the ignition when the boy tried to take it. Locals intervened immediately, leading to the confrontation. This incident highlights the devastating impact of drug abuse on rural youth and the lack of support systems for families struggling with such crises.
Local authorities have acknowledged the gravity of the situation. While the legal process regarding the theft is underway, the case underscores the urgent need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs and community-based interventions to combat the rising tide of drug-related juvenile delinquency. The police have assured that they will look into the matter with sensitivity, aiming to provide a path toward recovery for the troubled youth.
