Dhaka, Bangladesh - A family of nine, who walked to death overnight by jumping before a train in central Mymensingh district, were suspected to be members of a cult, officials said Thursday.
"It appeared from the diaries found at their home that they were members of a cult," a police official said. The diaries also contained some write-ups on "sensitive religious issues", he added.
Initial reports, quoting villagers in the district, said that the family was converted to Christianity several years ago. All the nine members of the family, three of them minors, were cut into pieces as they jumped before a speeding train in Kashor Itakhola area of Mymensingh town yesterday.
According to the villagers, the family avoided links with neighbours for the past several years and had virtually confined themselves to their house, leading an isolated life.