TDS Desk:

The non-governmental organisation Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) has condemned the mob beating that resulted in the deaths of two Hindu devotees in Rangpur’s Taraganj Upazila over the suspected theft of a van, voicing concern over the law-and-order situation in the country.

The organisation said that such lynchings have become more frequent, giving rise to deep concern about public safety.

In a press release on Monday, ASK said 111 people have been killed in mob violence from January to Aug 10 this year.

The statement said that these incidents, such as the lynching in Rangpur, are extremely dangerous and unacceptable under the prevailing law, the Constitution and international human rights standards.

Citing media reports, 40-year-old Ruplal Das and 35-year-old Pradeep Das were beaten to death in Rangpur on Aug 9. The two were distant relatives. Ruplal worked as a shoemaker, while Pradeep drove a van.

Pradeep had driven his van to Ruplal’s house to schedule a date and time for Ruplal’s daughter’s wedding. But, as he did not know how to get through the village, he called Ruplal, who left his house. The two of them then headed towards Ruplal’s house in Ghanirampur village.

Pradeep did not know the way to the house, so he called Ruplal, who left home to guide him there. The two of them then boarded the van and headed towards Ruplal’s house in Ghanirampur village. As they reached the Bottola area of the Taraganj-Kazirhat Road around 9pm, some locals stopped them, believing them to be van thieves. The mob that gathered beat them both brutally.

ASK said, “Lynching incidents have continued, creating deep anxiety and concerns about security among all citizens of the country. This culture of impunity is a matter of grave worry for social harmony and the rule of law.”

According to ASK statistics, at least 111 citizens have died as victims of mob violence from January to Aug 10, 2025 alone. The organisation called for legal action to be taken against those involved in these incidents, and the families of the victims to be provided with appropriate compensation and protection.

At the same time, it urged the government and law-enforcing agencies to identify and hold any groups or individuals involved in any organised incitement activities accountable without any reprieve, noting such brutal incidents directly strike at the foundation of human rights.

“Taking the law into one’s own hands and killing is a clear violation of the rule of law and human rights. The Constitution guarantees the legal protection and right to life of every citizen, which was seriously violated in this incident. This incident is also a serious violation of the right to life and security under international human rights law.”