Police’s Stance in Favor of Mob Vigilantes in Blasphemy Case Raises Questions About Justice

News Report

 

Paresh Chandra Sheel and his son Vishnu Chandra Sheel, residents of Lalmonirhat, earn their living by cutting hair. Recently, an “agitated mob” beat them up and handed them over to the police over allegations of blasphemy. The officer-in-charge (OC) of the local police station publicly assured that the accused would be given “life imprisonment or the death penalty.”

Incidents of mob beatings or handing over individuals to the police over blasphemy allegations are not new in Bangladesh. One of the most talked-about recent cases occurred in Khulna in September 2024, where a 16-year-old boy named Utsav Mondal was beaten in the presence of law enforcement. Initially, reports claimed he had died from the beating, but it was later said that he survived.

Another incident took place in Faridpur in October 2024, where Hridoy Pal was accused of blasphemy for the second time over the same Facebook status. He was eventually taken into military custody.

Local journalist Kazi Al Amin had said about the status, “The Facebook ID from which the post was made belongs to someone named Krishna Das Rahul, not Hridoy Pal. I tried to verify whether Hridoy operated that ID, but no one could confirm it.”

However, it is unprecedented for a police officer to publicly guarantee the harshest punishment for the accused before even starting an investigation. Analysts and human rights activists believe the questionable role of the police in Lalmonirhat has cast doubt on whether the two minority individuals will receive fair justice.

The incident in Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila occurred on June 22, when Paresh Chandra Sheel and his son Vishnu Chandra Sheel were beaten and handed over to the police over blasphemy allegations. The mob was led by a local imam.

Addressing the agitated crowd, the OC of Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station said, “We will file such a case against them that ensures they get life imprisonment or the death penalty.”

When a video of the OC’s statement went viral on social media, many netizens criticized him. Human rights activist Nur Khan believes such remarks show the officer has lost impartiality.

While being beaten and handed over to the police, Paresh and Vishnu claimed the blasphemy allegations were false. They are now in jail. Vishnu’s wife, Dipti Rani Sheel, insists no blasphemy occurred. She says the attack was triggered by an argument over a customer refusing to pay 10 taka for a haircut.

On June 25, two days after the incident, senior police officials visited the area. They held a meeting urging everyone to maintain peace and respect each other’s religion.

Dipti Rani was present at the meeting. Tearfully, she said, “My husband and father-in-law committed no crime. They did not insult any religion. Please release them.”

On June 22, after Jummah prayers, a procession was taken out under the banner of “Golapganj Bazaar Jame Mosque’s United Congregation.” The procession marched to the salon of Paresh and Vishnu at Hanif Paglar Mor in Lalmonirhat town. Some people dragged the elderly barber and his son out of the shop and beat them in front of the salon.

Videos of the beating spread on social media, showing a group assaulting 69-year-old Paresh and his 35-year-old son. Despite Vishnu pleading with folded hands to spare his father, the mob continued beating Paresh, who repeatedly denied the allegations.

Police were called, but the beating continued even in their presence. Eventually, the father and son were handed over to the police.

As they were taken to the police station, a crowd gathered outside, chanting slogans. Additional police and army personnel were deployed to control the situation. OC Nur Nabi then addressed the crowd, assuring them that the accused would face the harshest punishment.

In the viral video, OC Nur Nabi is heard saying, “As the OC, it is my duty to maintain law and order. But this incident has also angered me. Like you, I am also in tears. How dare someone commit such an audacious act in this country? I promise you, the case we file will ensure they get life imprisonment or the death penalty.”

When contacted, OC Nur Nabi cut the call citing busyness. However, facing severe backlash, he later clarified to the media, saying, “I said those words to control the immediate situation and calm the crowd. There was no other intention.”

Lalmonirhat Police Superintendent Mohammad Tariqul Islam said, “We have warned him. He cannot make such statements. Everything must proceed according to the law.”

Human rights activist Nur Khan said, “The OC’s remarks further incited the mob. He spoke beyond the law, raising questions about the fairness of the case.” He believes the case is fabricated.

The June 22 procession was led by Maulana Abdul Aziz, the imam of Namtari Al-Hera Jame Mosque, who is also the plaintiff in the blasphemy case.

Aziz claimed, “Paresh Chandra Sheel made derogatory remarks about the Prophet and his wives. Though I did not witness it, a madrasa student named Nazmul Islam reported it to me.” He added that Paresh had a history of making offensive comments about religion.

Local Olama Parishad Secretary Maulana Tarek Hossain, who was also part of the procession, said, “I calmed the crowd; otherwise, the situation could have worsened. I was not present at the salon but heard about the blasphemy from locals.”

In a video statement, Dipti Rani said, “My father-in-law told me in jail that it was all over 10 taka. The boy refused to pay the full amount, leading to an argument. There was no blasphemy.”

She added, “We are now living in fear. I demand justice for the torture my husband and father-in-law endured.”

No bail application has been filed yet, as the family is consulting lawyers.

The investigating officer, Inspector Saju Mia, said, “Initial statements indicate blasphemy, but further investigation is ongoing.”

Police Superintendent Tariqul Islam stated, “The case was filed based on allegations. Investigation will determine the truth. We have visited the area; the situation is now calm.”

Nur Khan emphasized, “No matter the allegations, the court must decide. Mob justice is illegal. The police have yet to act against the mob, and the OC’s statement only encouraged them.”

Moinendra Nath, acting general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said, “The way they were humiliated shows there is no rule of law. We demand legal action against those involved. The OC became part of the mob by supporting them.”

He also demanded the immediate release of Paresh and Vishnu.

Deutsche Welle