Hindu Teen Beaten to Death Inside Bangladesh Police Station Over Alleged Social Media Post
A 15-year-old Hindu boy named Utsav Mandol was brutally beaten and killed by a mob inside a police station in Khulna, Bangladesh, after being accused of making "objectionable comments" about Prophet Muhammad on social media, according to a minorities rights group
The Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM) reported that despite being in police custody, Mandol was attacked and killed by the mob even as army personnel were present. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the protection of minorities in the country
HRCBM condemned the lynching as a blatant failure of law enforcement to safeguard an individual in their custody, criticizing the authorities for allowing the crime to occur under police and army watch. The organization questioned whether there would be any justice for the young victim and urged the international community to address the recurring violence against minorities in Bangladesh
The tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in the country, who often feel vulnerable to mob violence fueled by allegations of blasphemy. As investigations into the incident continue, calls have grown for accountability and reform in Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies to prevent such atrocities in the future
Mob Lynching Inside Police Station Raises Alarm
The brutal incident occurred in Khulna City, where Mandol, a college student, was accused of blasphemy after allegedly posting comments on social media deemed offensive to Islam. HRCBM reported that Mandol was detained by police but was subsequently attacked and killed by a mob inside the police station, even as army personnel were present
"A college student Utsav Mandol (a Hindu Youth) was hacked to death at Khulna City of Bangladesh by Islamists. Allegations against him was he posted statement that is considered blasphemy in social media. Without forensic evidence he was detained by police and the mob lunched him in the police station where Army personnel was also present," said HRCBM in a post on X (formerly Twitter)
The statement reflects the ongoing frustration and fear among minority communities in Bangladesh, who often feel abandoned and vulnerable to mob violence fueled by allegations of blasphemy. The HRCBM condemned the lynching as a violation of human norms and criticized the law enforcement agencies for failing to protect Mandol despite his being in their custody
Calls for Justice and Accountability
The HRCBM further questioned whether there would be any justice for the young victim and urged both the national and international communities to address the recurring violence against minorities in Bangladesh
"Will there be Justice in Bangladesh? Will people of Bangladesh rise up to the dark forces and recognize right from wrong and talk about being human first? Will the international community remain mute spectators to these atrocities?" the organization asked, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform in the country's law enforcement agencies
Government Response and Denial of Religious Violence
Bangladesh's interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has faced criticism for its handling of the increasing violence against minority communities. Yunus, who serves as the chief adviser to the interim government, downplayed the concerns raised by India and other international observers, stating that the violence against Hindus in Bangladesh has been "exaggerated" and is more politically motivated than communal
Yunus told PTI that the attacks on Hindus and other minorities were part of a broader political conflict, as many perceive the Hindu community to be supporters of the recently ousted Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina
India's Concerns Over Minority Safety in Bangladesh
The violent attack on Mandol has intensified scrutiny from neighboring India, where leaders have expressed deep concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh. During his Independence Day speech on August 15, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue, emphasizing his hopes for a return to normalcy in Bangladesh
"As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope the situation there becomes normal soon," Modi said while speaking from the Red Fort, reflecting on the rising tensions following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
This marks the second time in a week that Modi has publicly addressed the safety of minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting the urgency of the situation as reports of violence continue to emerge.
