The half-burnt body of a woman was discovered in an abandoned house at Akhaura upazila in Brahmanbaria district on Tuesday.

Following the recovery, police have arrested Farhan Rony, son of Shahnewaz Bhuiyan, General Secretary of the Dakshin union Jubo League, in connection with the incident.

The victim, identified as Harluza Begum, 50, was wife of Nurul Islam from Hirapur area in the same upazila.

Witnesses reported that on Monday night, ducks were stolen from a house in Gazir Bazar. The owners, Enamul and Roman, along with their cousin Obaidul, began searching for them. Early Tuesday morning, they noticed smoke and a strange odor emanating from the abandoned house.

Rony, who was inside the house, allegedly tried to stop them from entering. However, the trio forced their way in and discovered the half-burnt, beheaded body of Harluza Begum partially buried in a hole. They immediately informed the police.

Locals claim that Rony, known in the area for drug abuse, had called the victim to the house earlier that morning.
Akhaura Police Station inspector Shahinur Islam confirmed that the body was recovered, with most parts burned. Acting on information obtained during Rony`s interrogation, police also located the victim`s severed head at another location.

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the gruesome act. Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses, added the police official.