The deceased was identified as Amrit Mondal. Local police said Mondal was allegedly involved in criminal activities, including extortion, and had formed a gang operating in the area. On the day of the incident, Mondal and his associates reportedly went to a resident’s house to demand money, triggering a violent backlash from locals.
Police rushed to the spot after receiving information and rescued Mondal in a critical condition. He was taken to a hospital, where doctors declared him dead around 2:00 am, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Pangsha Circle) Debrata Sarkar said, as per The Daily Star. His body was later sent to Rajbari Sadar Hospital for post-mortem examination.Police action and criminal background
Most of Mondal’s associates fled the scene after the incident, but police arrested one man and recovered firearms from his possession, according to law enforcement officials. Police records show that Mondal had at least two cases filed against him, including a murder case.
The incident has drawn attention as it comes just a week after another Hindu man, Dipu Das, was lynched in Mymensingh over alleged blasphemy, with his body later set on fire. Police have arrested 12 people so far in connection with that case, as per news agency PTI.
Das’ killing triggered widespread protests by factory workers, students and rights groups in Dhaka and other parts of Bangladesh, prompting India to formally express its concerns. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’ interim government had said it would take responsibility for the welfare of Das’ minor child, wife and parents.
Government rejects communal narrative
Responding to the Rajbari incident, the Bangladesh government issued a statement on December 25, strongly rejecting claims that the killing was communal in nature.
“According to police information and preliminary investigation, this incident was in no way a communal attack. It arose from a violent situation triggered by extortion and terrorist activities,” the statement said.
The government described Mondal as “a top terrorist named Amrit Mondal alias Somrat” and said he had outstanding arrest warrants in multiple serious cases. It added that police arrested his associate Selim from the scene and recovered weapons, while three cases have been filed in connection with the incident.
“The government strongly condemns this killing,” the statement said, adding that it “does not support any form of extrajudicial activity, mob lynching, or violence in any manner.” It also warned against attempts to portray the incident as communal, saying such claims were “completely baseless and motivated by ulterior motives.”
