Why Were Two Hindu Men Lynched by a Mob in Rangpur?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two men were lynched in Rangpur over theft suspicions.
- The incident was captured on video and has gone viral.
- Police response was inadequate, raising concerns about law enforcement.
- Eyewitnesses described a large mob involved in the attack.
- Public outrage is escalating as calls for justice grow.
Dhaka, Aug 14 (NationPress) In a tragic instance of mob violence in Bangladesh, two men were viciously beaten to death in the Taraganj upazila of Rangpur district, allegedly on suspicions of theft. The shocking video footage of this incident has gone viral on social media, igniting widespread outrage globally.
The victims, identified as Ruplal Das, 40, from Ghanirampur, and Pradip Das, 35, from Mithapukur upazila, were attacked over the weekend at Burirhat High School grounds in Rangpur.
Reports indicate that although police arrived at the scene, they failed to take any substantial action and left, fearing for their safety. By the time reinforcements arrived, one of the victims, Ruplal, had already succumbed to his injuries, while most assailants had fled, according to the Dhaka Tribune.
Eyewitness accounts reported to Prothom Alo suggested that 15 to 20 young men were primarily responsible for the brutal assault.
The video showed Ruplal and Pradip surrounded by hundreds, primarily young men, as they lay in a van in the school yard. When police attempted to control the mob, tensions escalated, and the officers retreated, leaving the men vulnerable and severely injured.
After the police's withdrawal, the mob resumed their violent assault, using fists, kicks, and various implements. At one point, Pradip fell from the van, and several individuals continued to attack Ruplal, with shouts of encouragement from the crowd urging them to inflict more harm.
Authorities reported that the victims were rushed to Taraganj Upazila Health Complex, where Ruplal was pronounced dead on arrival. Pradip was later transferred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where he tragically passed away from his injuries early Sunday morning.
In the aftermath, Ruplal’s wife, Bharati Rani, lodged a murder complaint at Taraganj police station, naming 500 to 700 individuals as participants in the mob violence. So far, only four suspects have been apprehended, including Ebadat Hossain from Balapur and others from Burirhat.
Bangladesh has seen a surge in mob lynchings and lawlessness since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took power last year.