Dhaka Security Force Arrest 3 For Brutal Murder Of Hindu Businessman Khokon Das
Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) detained three suspects on Sunday in connection with the gruesome killing of Hindu businessman Khokon Das in Shariatpur. The arrests followed an overnight raid conducted by RAB personnel in Kishoreganj, according to the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.
The accused identified as Sohag, Rabbi and Palash were apprehended around 1 am from the Bajitpur locality. ASP Shahjahan of RAB-14’s CPC-2 unit led the operation.
Khokon Das, a 50-year-old pharmacy proprietor who also operated as a bKash mobile banking agent in Keherbhanga Bazaar, was ambushed on December 31 while heading home after shutting his shop. The assault occurred near the Tilai area, not far from his residence.
Shariatpur Superintendent of Police Rawnak Jahan stated that Das was set upon by three to four assailants wielding sharp weapons. He suffered numerous injuries and was robbed of the money he carried.
When the attackers realized Das had identified some of them, they doused his body and face with petrol before igniting him in a bid to eliminate him. Hearing his cries, local residents rushed to the scene, forcing the attackers to escape. Das was initially transported to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital in grave condition before being moved to Dhaka Medical College Hospital and subsequently the National Burn Institute, where he succumbed to his injuries on Saturday, January 3.
SP Rawnak Jahan confirmed that Das had identified his assailants by name before passing away. Police indicated the arrested individuals are locally notorious for criminal behavior and narcotics use. The investigation continues.
Das’s murder has intensified concerns following a series of violent attacks targeting Bangladesh’s Hindu minority. Rights organizations and community representatives have demanded stringent action against perpetrators and enhanced protection for minority populations.
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Last month witnessed another brutal incident when Dipu Chandra Das, a local garment factory laborer, was beaten to death by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district before his body was burned.