The killing of a Hindu man by a mob in Bangladesh’s Rajbari district has triggered fresh debate over vigilantism, minority safety, and the collapse of trust in law enforcement. While police say the victim faced serious criminal charges, his death at the hands of villagers highlights a growing pattern of mob justice in parts of the country.
The victim, Amrit Mondal, also known as Samrat, died after being beaten by locals following allegations of extortion. The incident unfolded late at night and ended before police could intervene.
Who Was Amrit Mondal?
Amrit Mondal was a resident of Hosendanga village in the Pangsha area of Rajbari district. Locals knew him by the name Samrat. Police records show that he had at least two criminal cases registered against him, including a murder case.
According to law enforcement officials and residents, Mondal had built a reputation as a local strongman. Authorities alleged that he led a group involved in intimidation and extortion. A report described the group as a “terror outfit” that operated in the area for years. Police said fear of retaliation often kept residents silent.
What Happened on the Night of the Killing?
The incident took place around 11 pm on Wednesday in Hosendanga village. Assistant Superintendent of Police Debrata Sarkar confirmed the timing of the attack.
Police said Mondal and several associates went to the home of a villager named Shahidul Islam. They allegedly demanded extortion money. Shahidul and his family raised an alarm.
Villagers rushed to the house. Mondal’s companions escaped. Locals caught Mondal and reportedly found weapons on him. They beat him severely before taking him to a hospital. Doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Police Action After the Incident
Police arrested one of Mondal’s associates, Mohammad Selim, in connection with the case. Officers also recovered firearms from his possession. Authorities confirmed that multiple criminal cases were pending against Mondal. Investigators said they are examining whether the mob attack could have been prevented with earlier intervention.
Mob Justice and Rising Violence in Bangladesh
Mondal’s killing is not an isolated case. In recent weeks, Bangladesh has seen a rise in mob violence and public attacks.
Last week, 27-year-old Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death. Attackers allegedly tied his body to a tree and set it on fire. In another incident, a young man died in Dhaka after a crude bomb exploded near a flyover.
These incidents followed unrest linked to the killing of Osman Hadi in Dhaka. Interim government chief Mohammad Yunus said swift action was ordered and confirmed that at least 10 arrests were made.
Crime, Fear and the Collapse of Justice
The killing of Amrit Mondal exposes a deeper problem. Fear of criminals and lack of faith in law enforcement are driving people to take the law into their own hands. Experts warn that mob justice harms both victims and society. It replaces due process with violence and often leads to further instability. The case now raises urgent questions about policing, accountability, and protection for all citizens in Bangladesh.
