In a shocking turn of events, a 15-year-old Hindu boy named Utsav Mondal was brutally attacked by a mob inside a police station in Khulna, Bangladesh, after being accused of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad on social media. The violent incident occurred on Wednesday night at the Sonadanga Police Station.
Tensions Escalate Over Social Media Allegations
The trouble began when local madrasa students brought Utsav Mondal to the police station, accusing him of posting offensive comments about the Prophet on Facebook. As the accusation spread, tensions soared, with hundreds of protestors gathering outside the station, demanding severe punishment for Mondal. Initially, the students wanted the boy to be judged by their own laws, which included execution. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Tajul Islam assured the crowd that a legal case would be filed, but this did not calm the protestors.
Mob Storms Police Station
As the night progressed, a false announcement via a mosque loudspeaker claimed that Utsav had been lynched. This misinformation briefly dispersed the crowd. However, when it became clear that Utsav was still alive, the mob’s anger intensified. Despite the presence of police, army, and navy personnel, the crowd overpowered security forces and stormed the police station. Utsav was severely beaten in front of the officials before being taken away by army personnel for medical treatment.
Current Condition And Investigation
On Thursday morning, authorities confirmed that Utsav Mondal, who was critically injured, is alive and receiving treatment at an army hospital. The police have filed a blasphemy case against him and assured that legal actions will follow. The incident has drawn attention to the rising violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, especially following political unrest.
Rising Violence And Pattern Of Violence Against Hindus
This attack is part of a troubling pattern of violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, exacerbated by recent political instability. Since the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, after student-led protests, there have been numerous attacks on minority communities. Reports from various organizations highlight at least 205 incidents of violence against Hindus across the country, including assaults on temples, homes, and individuals.
Community Reaction And Call For Justice
The brutal murder of Utsav Mondal has sparked outrage among human rights advocates and the Hindu community. The incident, captured in disturbing videos circulating on social media, shows the mob chanting slogans against Hindus while attacking Mondal. The victim’s family and supporters are calling for justice and accountability for those involved in the violence. The case remains under investigation as the authorities grapple with the fallout from this tragic event and the broader issue of rising religious intolerance in the country.
Utsav Mandal was charged with 'blasphemy', and brought to a police station in Sonadanga upazila of Khulna district.
He was then brutally lynched to death right inside the police station, per @BangladeshVedic #SaveBangladeshiHindus pic.twitter.com/u8BZ36bjSh
— HinduPost (@hindupost) September 5, 2024