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Prominent Hindu Leader Abducted and Killed in Bangladesh; India Expresses Concern
The body of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a prominent Hindu community leader in Bangladesh, was recovered on Thursday night, hours after he was allegedly abducted from his residence in Basudebpur village, Dinajpur district, approximately 330 kilometers northwest of Dhaka.
According to a report by The Daily Star, citing local police and family members, Roy, 58, served as the vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and was a respected figure among the region’s Hindu community.
Timeline of Events
Roy was reportedly at home on Thursday afternoon when he received a phone call around 4:30 PM. His wife, Shantana, said the call appeared to be an attempt to confirm his presence at the house. Roughly 30 minutes later, four individuals arrived on two motorcycles and allegedly abducted him.
Eyewitnesses claim Roy was taken to Narabari village, where he was brutally assaulted. Later that evening, his unconscious body was returned to his residence in a van, reportedly by the assailants. He was rushed to a local hospital and subsequently referred to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Investigation Underway
Law enforcement authorities confirmed that Roy’s body has been sent for autopsy. Abdus Sabur, Officer-in-Charge of Biral Police Station, told media that efforts are underway to file a formal case and identify the perpetrators. As of Saturday, police stated that the post-mortem examination has been completed, but its findings have yet to be disclosed.
Diplomatic Strain
The incident has added tension to the diplomatic relationship between India and Bangladesh. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) condemned the killing, calling it a disturbing continuation of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed concern over what he described as a pattern of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities in the country.
“This killing follows a pattern of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities under the interim government even as the perpetrators of previous such events roam with impunity,” he stated.
The MEA further urged the interim Bangladeshi government to “live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities, including Hindus, without inventing excuses or making distinctions.”
Reciprocal Statements
The incident occurred shortly after a Bangladeshi official issued a statement condemning violence against Muslims in India’s West Bengal. Responding to that, India’s MEA dismissed the remarks as “a barely disguised and disingenuous attempt” to deflect attention from issues within Bangladesh.
“Instead of making unwarranted comments and indulging in virtue signaling, Bangladesh would do better to focus on protecting the rights of its own minorities,” Jaiswal added.
The situation continues to evolve, as investigations into the killing progress and diplomatic exchanges between the two nations intensify.
Also Read : India Condemns Bangladesh Over Hindu Leader’s Killing: ‘Must Uphold Responsibility’
