New Delhi:
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday strongly reacted to the lynching of a Hindu man in Bangladesh, calling it an “unbearably tragic incident” unfolding amid what he described as growing mob rule in the country. While acknowledging the Bangladeshi government’s condemnation of the killing, Tharoor questioned whether sufficient steps were being taken to punish the perpetrators and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a post on X, Tharoor wrote, “An unbearably tragic incident amid the mob rule that is raging across Bangladesh.” He added that mere condemnation was not enough and demanded concrete action. “While mourning the loss of this poor Hindu man at the hands of unspeakable criminals, I appreciate the condemnation issued by the Government of Bangladesh but must ask them what they are doing to punish the murderers and what steps they are taking to ensure that such incidents do not recur?” he said.
An unbearably tragic incident amid the mob rule that is raging across Bangladesh. While mourning the loss of this poor Hindu man at the hands of unspeakable criminals, I appreciate the condemnation issued by the Government of Bangladesh, but must ask them what they are doing to… https://t.co/He2Qii473j
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 20, 2025
Leaders Across Parties React
Tharoor was not alone in expressing outrage. Several Indian political leaders, including Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, also condemned the lynching and raised concerns over the safety of minorities in Bangladesh amid the ongoing unrest.
The violence erupted in the aftermath of the death of anti-India radical leader Sharif Osman Hadi, an event that triggered widespread protests across Bangladesh, some of which later turned violent.
Who Was Dipu Chandra Das?
The victim was identified as Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old Hindu factory worker from Mymensingh district. According to reports, he was brutally beaten and later set on fire by a mob over alleged blasphemy.
Renowned Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, who is currently in exile, claimed that the blasphemy allegation was fabricated. In a detailed post on X, she alleged that Dipu was targeted following a trivial dispute with a Muslim coworker at the factory.
Nasreen said the coworker publicly accused Dipu of making derogatory remarks about the Prophet, triggering a violent mob attack. “Frenzied followers pounced on Dipu like hyenas,” she wrote. Although the police initially took Dipu into custody, effectively placing him under their protection, he was allegedly abandoned, leading to his eventual death.
Bangladesh Arrests Seven Accused
Responding to mounting criticism, Bangladesh’s interim government announced the arrest of seven individuals in connection with the lynching. Interim leader Muhammad Yunus confirmed the arrests in a post on X, stating that the Rapid Action Battalion conducted coordinated operations to apprehend the accused.
The arrested individuals were identified as:
- Md. Limon Sarkar (19)
- Md. Tarek Hossain (19)
- Md. Manik Mia (20)
- Ershad Ali (39)
- Nijum Uddin (20)
- Alomgir Hossain (38)
- Md. Miraj Hossain Akon (46)
Yunus said investigations were ongoing and assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible.
Growing Concerns Over Minority Safety
The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of religious minorities in Bangladesh, especially during periods of political instability. Rights activists and political leaders alike have urged Dhaka to ensure accountability, strengthen law enforcement, and protect vulnerable communities from mob violence.