• Source:JND

Bangladesh’s elite security force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has arrested three people in connection with the brutal hacking and burning to death of Hindu businessman Khokon Chandra Das in Shariatpur district, officials said on Sunday.

The arrests were made during an overnight operation in Kishoreganj, around 100 kilometres northeast of Dhaka. The accused have been identified as Sohag Khan (27), Rabbi Molya (21) and Palash Sardar (25). RAB officials said the operation was carried out around 1 am from the Bajitpur area by a team led by ASP Shahjahan of RAB-14’s CPC-2 unit.

Attack On New Year’s Eve

Khokon Das, 50, ran a medicine shop and also worked as a mobile banking agent at Keherbhanga Bazaar in Damudya upazila of Shariatpur district. On the night of December 31, he was returning home after closing his business when he was intercepted near the Tilai area, close to his residence.

According to police, three to four assailants armed with sharp weapons attacked Das, inflicting multiple injuries. They also allegedly robbed him of the cash he was carrying. Investigators said that after realising Das had recognised some of them, the attackers poured petrol on his body and set him on fire in an attempt to kill him.

Hearing his screams, local residents rushed to the spot, forcing the attackers to flee. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Das jumped into a nearby pond. He was later rescued by locals and taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital in critical condition. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later to a specialised burn unit. Doctors said Das had suffered multiple injuries, including a serious abdominal wound, along with severe burns to his face, head and hands. He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, three days after the attack.

Accused Known For Criminal Activities

Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan said the victim had named the accused before his death, a statement that proved crucial to the investigation. RAB Madaripur Camp Company Commander Superintendent of Police Mir Monir Hossain said the arrested men are being brought to the Madaripur camp for further legal proceedings. Police officials added that the accused are locally known as hooligans and are reportedly involved in drug abuse.

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Rising Concern Over Minority Safety

The killing of Khokon Das has sparked concern amid reports of recent violent incidents involving members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. According to community leaders, Das’s death is the fifth such killing since December.

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Kajol Debnath, spokesperson of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said radical elements are trying to intimidate minority communities. Rights groups have called for strict action against those responsible and stronger measures to ensure the safety of minorities. Das’s nephew-in-law, Pranto Das, said the family is seeking a thorough and impartial investigation. “No one involved in this killing should be spared,” he said, demanding swift justice.


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