Elderly Father Guards Son’s Grave Overnight in Munshiganj Amid Fear of Body Theft

A deeply troubling incident has emerged from Munshiganj, where an elderly father has been spending sleepless nights guarding his son’s grave due to fears that the body might be stolen.

The accident took place in Tongibari upazila, where the grave of Arafat Khan, a young man who died after being struck by lightning, is being watched over continuously by his father, Jasim Khan. The vigil is being maintained at a local cemetery in the Kamar Khara area.
 

According to family members, the father’s fear stems from widespread rumours that bodies of individuals who die from lightning strikes are sometimes targeted by criminals. Concerned about the safety of his son’s grave, he has taken it upon himself to remain present throughout the night to prevent any possible theft.
 

Jasim Khan, who is reportedly in poor health, said he is unable to stay awake every night on his own. As a result, he has been forced to borrow money to hire additional help to guard the grave. Despite struggling financially, he continues to spend daily to ensure the grave remains undisturbed.
 

Local residents have also expressed concern over the situation. Some claimed that in recent times, incidents of grave theft have been reported in nearby areas, increasing fear among families. It is widely believed that bodies of lightning victims are targeted due to perceived high value in illegal markets.
 

Community members described the situation as both heartbreaking and alarming. They have urged authorities to take immediate steps to improve cemetery security so that grieving families do not have to endure such distress.
 

Arafat Khan died last week after being struck by lightning while collecting grass for cattle. Since his burial, his family has been maintaining a nightly watch over his grave, hoping to protect it from any potential threat.