A minor dispute over 10 Bangladeshi taka has tragically spiralled into a serious blasphemy case, leaving a Hindu father and son imprisoned and severely beaten in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila of Rangpur Division, Bangladesh. The incident, which took place on June 22, has sparked outrage and concern over the increasing misuse of blasphemy laws and the vulnerability of minorities in the country.

The victims, 69-year-old Paresh Chandra Shil and his 35-year-old son Bishnu Chandra Shil, operated a small salon at Hanif Pagla intersection in Ward No. 9 of Lalmonirhat Municipality. According to eyewitnesses and family members, the trouble began when a Muslim customer, later identified as Md Abdul Ajiz, a self-declared imam of a local mosque, visited the shop for a haircut.

After the service was completed, Ajiz allegedly refused to pay the nominal 10 taka fee, resulting in an argument with Paresh. As he left the shop, Ajiz reportedly threatened the elderly barber with “dire consequences.” Soon after, he returned with a group of locals, accusing Paresh of making derogatory remarks about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad.

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Mob Attack And Arrests

A disturbing video that went viral on social media shows a violent mob brutally assaulting Paresh. He is seen being punched, kicked, and stripped of his vest by an enraged crowd. His son Bishnu, who tried to shield his father, was also beaten. Despite the absence of clear evidence, police arrested both Paresh and Bishnu on charges of “hurting religious sentiments.” Both remain in custody and are awaiting legal proceedings.

Family Denies Blasphemy Allegations

Diptirani Roy, Bishnu’s wife, told reporters that the entire episode stemmed from the unpaid 10 taka. “My husband and father-in-law are innocent,” she said. “This is all because they demanded payment for their services. When the customer refused, an argument broke out, and he made false accusations out of revenge.”

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Human rights groups, including the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities, have condemned the arrests and confirmed the family's version of events. The organisation described the charges as baseless and politically motivated, highlighting the growing persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh under the guise of protecting religious sentiments.