No case filed even a day after mob kills Kushtia 'Pir'
The victim’s family has not yet taken steps to file a case, police say
No case has been filed since Shamim Reza Jahangir, revered by his followers as a "Pir" or spiritual leader, was beaten to death and his shelter set on fire in a mob attack in Kushtia's Daulatpur upazila yesterday (11 April) over allegations of "demeaning religion."
Kushtia Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jashim Uddin told The Business Standard that the victim's family has not yet taken steps to file a case, even after a day has passed since the killing.
On efforts to apprehend those responsible, he said identifying the attackers remains challenging due to the large crowd present at the time. "We are collecting various evidence and information, including CCTV footage. Legal action will be taken against the culprits based on appropriate information."
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The victim's elder brother, Fazlur Rahman, said legal action would be taken after the burial. The body is currently at the Kushtia General Hospital morgue, with the autopsy pending as of yesterday. Preparations are underway for his burial in the family graveyard adjacent to his den following the autopsy.
On Saturday, an agitated crowd vandalised the den of Shamim Reza Jahangir, known as "Shamim Babar Darbar Sharif" in the Darogar Mor area of Philipnagar Union.
Shamim Reza Jahangir died in the attack while at least seven of Jahangir's followers were injured. Three of them were identified as Mohan Ali, Jamirun Nessa, and Zubair. They received treatment at a local hospital.
Law enforcement agencies said they have collected evidence from the scene and are conducting raids across Daulatpur upazila.
Additional police were deployed immediately after the incident, while members of the police, RAB, BGB, and Army, along with local officials, visited the site.
Police said patrols have been strengthened to maintain order, and efforts are ongoing to identify those involved using CCTV footage and witness accounts.
ASK condemns killing, demands exemplary punishment
Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern and strong condemnation over the killing of Shamim Reza.
In a press release, ASK described the attack as a grave violation of human rights and the rule of law.
ASK emphasised that the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every citizen's right to life, liberty and security. It referred to Articles 31 and 32, which ensure equal protection under the law and prohibit deprivation of life or personal liberty without due process.
"In this context, any act of violence carried out by a mob outside the legal framework constitutes a direct violation of the Constitution and undermines the rule of law," the statement added.
The organisation further warned that such incidents raise serious questions about the effectiveness of the country's law enforcement system.
The organisation called on the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the Kushtia incident, identify all those involved, both directly and indirectly, and ensure exemplary punishment.
