Mob hacks self-proclaimed mystic to death in Kushtia

A self-proclaimed mystic was beaten and hacked to death in an attack by a mob at his khanqah in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia this afternoon over allegations of hurting religious sentiments.

The deceased was identified as Abdur Rahman Shamim, 52, locally known as Kalandar Baba.

The incident took place at Philipnagar around 2:30pm, additional superintendent of police of Kushtia Faisal Mahmud, told The Daily Star.

Two of his followers were also critically injured in the attack.

Dr Md Touhidul Hasan Tuhin, health and family planning officer of Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex, told The Daily Star that three injured people were brought to the facility around 3:20pm. Shamim was declared dead on arrival, while the other two are undergoing treatment.

He said the deceased had injuries consistent with sharp weapons and blunt force.

Locals alleged that Shamim made remarks during a gathering at his darbar "hurting religious sentiments".

Kushtia police super, Jasim Uddin, visited the scene around 5:00pm.

Talking to The Daily Star, the SP said an old video of the person was recently circulated on social media, which contains objectionable remarks on religion. After it was circulated on social media recently, locals attacked the site.

He said in addition to the name listed on his NID, he used multiple aliases. At times, he introduced himself as "Shri Jahangir", "Shamim Krishna", and other names. His ideology was to promote a composite or "mixed religion" by combining elements from different faiths.

SP Jasim Uddin also said police were present at the scene. However, suddenly, 300 to 400 people gathered there.

“We had prior information about the possibility of a reaction in the area. A human chain programme was scheduled for the afternoon in protest against his objectionable remarks. We were in contact with the relevant parties, and they had assured us that nothing would happen,” he said.

The police official further said that suddenly, a large group entered the area and carried out the attack. Police tried to bring the situation under control and attempted to rescue him from inside, but he was attacked with sharp weapons during that time.

“We are looking into the matter. Those who were involved in the incident and those who circulated the video have been identified. Some names have come to us, but we are not disclosing them at this stage. We are also examining whether there are any political links involved,” added the SP.

Additional police, along with Rab and BGB personnel, have been deployed in the area.