'Bloodthirsty mob': Family recounts horror after 3rd Hindu man set on fire in Bangladesh; seeks justice

The family of Khokon Chandra Das has described the brutal attack on him as shocking and senseless, saying they cannot understand why he was targeted.

Das, a businessman from Shariatpur district in Bangladesh, is currently undergoing treatment in Dhaka after suffering around 30 per cent burn injuries.




Speaking to news agency ANI, his wife Seema Das broke down while recalling the incident.

Holding her infant child, she said her husband was attacked just as he was about to enter their house. “My husband, who is a businessman, was entering the house when he was attacked by a mob gasoline and was set on fire. He is a patient man who leads a peaceful life. He has no enmity with anyone, and we are unable to understand the motive behind the attack,” she said.

Das’s sister, Anjana Rani Das, said the assault was extremely violent. According to her, the attack took place around 8.30 pm (local time). “The crowd hit him on the head and then poured gasoline on him before setting him on fire. He tried to jump into the water while crying for help,” she said, describing the moments of horror.

Two of Das’s nephews also spoke about his condition. Sourabh Das said he rushed to the hospital as soon as he received the call.

“I reached the hospital as soon as I got the call about my uncle being attacked. The police reached the scene and is investigating the matter. My uncle's face and hands were burnt,” he said.

Another nephew, Pranto Das, demanded strict action against those responsible. “We want a thorough investigation and criminals to be brought to justice. My uncle never had enmity with anyone. He is in the ICU and is extremely critical. The bloodthirsty mob came to him with the intent of murder,” he said.

The incident took place near Keurbhanga Bazar in the Kaneshwar Union area of Damudya in Shariatpur district. Miscreants allegedly assaulted Das, poured petrol on him and set him on fire. Local residents later rescued him and rushed him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he was given initial treatment.

As his condition worsened, he was referred to Dhaka later the same night for advanced medical care.

Das runs a medicine shop and a mobile banking business in the area. He was returning home after closing his shop when he was attacked.

Police have said an investigation is underway to identify and arrest all those involved in the attack.

The assault has come amid a series of violent incidents targeting members of the Hindu community in different parts of Bangladesh, which have drawn widespread concern and condemnation.

Dipu Chandra Das, a worker at a garment factory in the Mymensingh district, was killed after being beaten over accusations of blasphemy on December 18, after which his body was hanged and burned.

In a separate incident, a Hindu youth named Amrit Mondal was lynched in Hosendanga village, located in the Kalimohor Union of Rajbari’s Pangsha sub-district, due to an alleged extortion dispute.