Hindu leader reportedly kidnapped and killed in Bangladesh, investigation underway

A well-known Hindu leader in Bangladesh was kidnapped and killed in a shocking incident on Thursday. The man’s name was Bhabesh Chandra Roy, aged 58. He was taken from his home in the afternoon and his dead body was found later that night. The incident took place in Basudebpur village, located in Dinajpur, around 330 kilometers from Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.

According to local news reports, including The Daily Star, police have confirmed the tragic killing. Bhabesh Roy was a respected leader in the Hindu community. He was serving as the vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, an organization that supports Hindu religious festivals. People in his area looked up to him for guidance and support.

His family and the police believe that Roy was brutally beaten to death. Preparations to file a case are underway. Police officials said they are working to identify and arrest the attackers. An autopsy has been ordered, and his body has been sent to the hospital morgue for further examination.

What Happened that day?

On Thursday, Roy was at his home as usual. Around 4:30 pm, he received a phone call, his wife Shantana told the police. She believes that the call was made just to confirm that Roy was at home. About 30 minutes later, four men arrived on two motorcycles. They reportedly forced Roy into leaving his house and took him with them. Shantana said that she recognized two of the four attackers who kidnapped her husband.

The kidnappers allegedly took Roy to a village called Narabari. Witnesses say that he was beaten severely there. By the evening, his unconscious body was returned to his home. It is believed that the same men who kidnapped him left him in a van near his house.

Roy was rushed to a nearby local hospital. From there, he was referred to the Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, but doctors could not save him. They declared him dead on arrival. His death has shocked the local Hindu community, as well as people across the country.

The officer-in-charge of Biral Police Station, Abdus Sabur, said that police are preparing to file a proper case. The investigation will focus on finding out why Roy was targeted and who was behind the brutal killing. Officers have already started gathering evidence and speaking with family members and eyewitnesses.

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Locals say Roy was a peaceful man who had no personal enemies. His only active role was in community work, especially during Hindu festivals. He often helped organize events and made sure that celebrations were held without conflict. That is why many believe this could be a targeted attack on a minority leader.

The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of religious minorities in Bangladesh. Hindu leaders and activists in the country have faced threats and violence in the past. Human rights groups have raised concerns about increasing attacks on minority communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.

Just hours before Roy’s death, a political issue between India and Bangladesh also made headlines. On Thursday, a spokesperson from the Bangladesh interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, gave a statement criticizing India. The official asked India to protect its Muslim minority, particularly referring to recent violence in Murshidabad, West Bengal.

The spokesperson said, “We condemn attacks on Muslims that cause loss of lives and property. We urge the government of India and West Bengal to take all necessary steps to protect the Muslim community.”

India quickly replied to this statement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal firmly rejected the comments made by the Bangladeshi official. He said that the statement was misleading and an unfair attempt to compare the situation in India with the ongoing persecution of minorities in Bangladesh.

In his response, Jaiswal said, “We reject the remarks made by the Bangladesh side regarding incidents in West Bengal. This is a disguised and dishonest effort to draw a comparison with India's genuine concerns about attacks on minorities in Bangladesh.”

He further added that Bangladesh should focus on solving its own problems rather than blaming others. “Instead of making unhelpful comments and pretending to care, Bangladesh should take real steps to protect its minority citizens,” he said.

This exchange between the two governments has added to the tension that was already present. India has, on many occasions, expressed concern over violence against Hindus and other minority groups in Bangladesh. Human rights reports and media stories have repeatedly shown cases of attacks, arson, and forced conversions.

Activists and civil society members in India are now demanding justice for Bhabesh Chandra Roy. They say that his murder must not go unpunished. Social media has been flooded with posts expressing sadness, anger, and calls for action. Many are urging the Indian government to raise this issue with Bangladesh through diplomatic channels.

Meanwhile, the local Hindu community in Dinajpur is in mourning. Roy’s friends and supporters gathered at his home and the hospital to pay their respects. His death has left a deep impact on the residents of Basudebpur village. Candle marches and protests are being planned in various cities in Bangladesh and India to seek justice and to raise awareness about the situation.

Bangladesh has a long history of communal tensions, especially during election seasons or times of political instability. Minority communities often find themselves caught in the crossfire. Organizations like Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council have often appealed to the government for stronger protections and faster legal action in such cases.

This latest killing is expected to lead to further international pressure on Bangladesh. Many global human rights organizations are keeping a close eye on the situation. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have already expressed concerns over the rising number of violent incidents against religious minorities in the region.

In Bangladesh, some opposition political parties have also started questioning the government. They are demanding transparency and a speedy investigation into Roy’s murder. Some leaders are calling it a failure of law and order in the country.

At the same time, there is fear among other Hindu leaders in Dinajpur and nearby areas. Some of them say they are now afraid for their lives. They are requesting police protection and asking the government to take the matter seriously. A few leaders have even gone into hiding for safety.

The government of Bangladesh has not yet issued a formal statement on Roy’s murder, but police have assured the public that they will work hard to solve the case. They say they are collecting CCTV footage, mobile phone records, and other data to track down the suspects.

The case is being closely followed by media both in Bangladesh and India. News channels are running updates and expert discussions about what steps should be taken to avoid such events in the future.

As of now, no arrests have been made. The people responsible for the killing are still on the run. Police are hoping that the information provided by Roy’s wife and local eyewitnesses will help catch the culprits soon.

This tragic event has become more than just a criminal case. It has sparked discussions about religious freedom, safety of minority communities, and the role of governments in protecting citizens. The coming days will show whether justice is served and whether the two neighboring countries can reduce the rising tension between them.