A private university student was allegedly beaten to death at a Khulna mess after being accused of stealing rice, police said.

The incident occurred at a student mess on Islamnagar Road near Khulna University on Friday night, said Khulna Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner Humayun Kabir.

The deceased, 21-year-old Azmul Hossain, was a first-semester English student at North Western University.

According to local residents, Azmul allegedly ate rice belonging to the mess manager, Mehedi. Mehedi, several mess residents and some outsiders allegedly took him to the rooftop and beat him.

Nearby residents later found Azmul lying in the alley and took him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

An emergency department doctor said Azmul had injury marks across his body and both his legs were broken.

Harintana police station OC Md Iqbal Hossain said the incident was being investigated and police would file a case if Azmul’s father did not.

Azmul’s father said someone called him after midnight using his son’s phone and demanded Tk 100,000, saying his son had caused trouble.

North Western University Vice-Chancellor Prof Kanai Lal Sarker said the university had advised Azmul’s parents to take legal action and would provide all possible assistance.

Khulna University Director of Student Affairs Prof Md Salauddin said the university was assisting police.