A woman and her three daughters were brutally hacked to death inside their rented house in Raipur upazila of Lakshmipur on Thursday morning in a shocking attack that has left the community in mourning.

The victims were identified as Shahinur Begum (38), her eldest daughter Sayma Akter (21), middle daughter Ikra Akter (17) and youngest daughter Shipa Akter (8).

Doctors at Raipur Upazila Health Complex said all four victims sustained multiple deep wounds inflicted by a sharp weapon, indicating the brutality of the assault. Three of them were declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, while Ikra was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries on the way.

The alleged attacker, Antar Majumdar (28), was caught by local residents while attempting to flee and was severely beaten by an angry mob. He later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

Police said Antar had previously lived as a tenant on the upper floor of the same building about seven to eight months ago and was known to the victims' family. Investigators, however, have yet to determine the exact motive behind the killings.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) Shahin Mia of Raipur Police Station said the bodies have been kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy. They will be handed over to the family after the completion of legal formalities and post-mortem examinations.

The family's only surviving member, Junaid Islam Sifat, was at work when the attack took place. He works at a local rod and cement business owned by Saiful Islam. Returning after receiving the tragic news, the 18-year-old found his mother and three sisters dead, leaving him devastated.

Employer Saiful Islam described Sifat as a hardworking and polite young man who had taken responsibility for supporting his family after the death of his father several years ago.

Police Superintendent Md Abu Tarek said investigators are examining all possible angles, including prior acquaintance, personal relationships, financial disputes and any other potential motives. He stressed that no conclusion would be drawn until the investigation is completed.

The gruesome killings have sent shockwaves across Raipur, with residents demanding a thorough investigation to establish the motive behind one of the district's most horrific family murders in recent years.