Bangladesh's elite security force, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), has arrested three individuals in connection with the horrific murder of a Hindu businessman in Shariatpur. The victim, Khokon Das, was subjected to a brutal attack involving robbery, stabbing, and being set ablaze.
Details of the Arrest and the Crime
In an overnight operation conducted on Sunday, RAB teams detained three suspects from the Bajitpur area in Kishoreganj around 1 am. The arrested individuals have been identified as Sohag, Rabbi, and Palash. The operation was spearheaded by ASP Shahjahan of the RAB-14 CPC-2 unit.
The victim, 50-year-old Khokon Das, owned a pharmacy and also worked as a bKash mobile banking agent in Keherbhanga Bazaar. The tragedy unfolded on the night of December 31 as he was returning home after closing his shop. He was ambushed near the Tilai area, close to his residence.
According to Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan, Das was assaulted by three to four attackers armed with sharp weapons. He sustained multiple injuries, and the assailants robbed him of the cash he was carrying. In a chilling turn of events, after realizing Das had recognized some of them, the attackers poured petrol on his body and face and set him on fire in an attempt to kill him.
A Desperate Fight for Life and Demand for Justice
Hearing his screams, local residents rushed to the spot, forcing the attackers to flee. Das was rescued in critical condition and initially taken to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and later to the National Burn Institute, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
Police noted that the arrested men are known in the area for criminal activities and alleged drug abuse. Investigations into the case are ongoing.
The family of Khokon Das is demanding a thorough probe and justice. His nephew-in-law, Pranto Das, stressed that no one involved in the killing should be spared and that all those responsible must be held accountable.
Rising Concerns Over Minority Safety
This brutal killing has sparked significant concern amid reports of recent violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Rights groups and community leaders have called for strict action against the perpetrators and stronger measures to ensure the safety of minorities.
The case echoes another recent tragic incident where Dipu Chandra Das, a local garment factory worker, was beaten to death by a mob and his body set on fire in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district. These events have put a spotlight on the security challenges faced by minority communities in the country.
