A trader was stabbed to death after refusing to pay extortion money in Cox’s Bazar town today.

The deceased was identified as Ganesh Pal, 35, a grocery shop owner at Borobazar area, said police.

Cox’s Bazar Sadar Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Chhomi Uddin said the incident took place in Dakshin Sahityika Palli area near the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) camp around 3:00pm.

The deceased's wife Shefali Pal and his brother Ashish Pal alleged that their neighbour, Jishan, had demanded extortion money and had earlier disputes with them over the matter.

According to them, Jishan stabbed Ganesh in the afternoon after he refused to pay up. He was rushed to a hospital where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

The OC said they visited the scene after receiving information.

“According to initial findings, the accused Jishan, known locally for various petty crimes, demanded money from Ganesh Pal, who denied to pay the amount. During an argument, Jishan suddenly took out a knife and stabbed Ganesh twice,” he said.

He added that Ganesh was critically injured in the attack and later died from his injuries.

Police also learned that another youth was present at the scene at the time of the incident, the OC said, adding that drives are underway to arrest the accused.