An admin of a local Facebook page in Brahmanbaria’s Kasba upazila was beaten to death this afternoon after being forcibly taken from his home, reportedly for publishing reports on drug-related crimes.

The deceased, Deen Islam, 30, was the son of Shafiqul Islam, of Shimrail village under Mehari union of the upazila, said police.

He operated a Facebook page and a YouTube channel called, “Talash Crime Dristi”, where he regularly published video reports on drug trafficking, drug trade, and drug abuse in the border areas of Kasba.

According to police and locals, a group of 20 to 30 people forcibly took him from his house around noon and severely beat him. They later left him in the Gangerkut area under Bhangora Police Station in Cumilla district after crossing the Buri river.

Kasba Police Station Officer-in-Charge Naznin Sultana said on information, Kasba police, with the help of Siddhirganj police outpost under Bhangora Police Station, rescued him in the afternoon and took him to Kasba Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared him dead.

Family members alleged that an influential group was behind the killing over his reports exposing drug-related activities. They accused former UP member Abdul Awal and his associates of involvement.

However, Abdul Awal denied the allegations, claiming that he was being falsely implicated “as part of a conspiracy”.

OC Naznin said the incident might have stemmed from a local dispute.

The body has been sent to Brahmanbaria General Hospital morgue for autopsy.