Bangladesh lynching case: Probe finds no evidence of blasphemy in Dipu Chandra Das killing, workplace dispute emerges as key trigger

PTC Web Desk: Fresh details emerging from the investigation into the killing of a Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old garment factory employee in Bangladesh, have cast serious doubt on the initial claim that he was lynched over blasphemy. Officials now say there is no evidence to show that Das made any religiously offensive remarks, with investigators increasingly suspecting that a workplace dispute sparked the deadly violence.

Das was beaten to death by a mob in Mymensingh on December 18, at a time when the region was already on edge following the death of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi, a key figure in the anti-government movement that ultimately led to the collapse of the Sheikh Hasina administration.

Disturbing videos shared widely on social media showed a man believed to be Das being assaulted by a group, before his body was tied to a tree and set on fire along the Dhaka–Mymensingh highway in the Jamirdia Dubaliapara locality. Early reports attributed the killing to allegations of blasphemy.

Dispute at factory comes under scrutiny

Investigators and family members say tensions had been simmering earlier that day at Pioneer Knitwears (BD) Limited, where Das worked. According to relatives, the situation worsened after he appeared for an internal test aimed at promotion from floor manager to supervisor.

Das’s brother, Apu Robi Das, told local media that his brother had strained relations with some co-workers due to professional rivalry. He said Das was dismissed from his job on the afternoon of December 18, after which accusations of insulting religion began circulating.

“They attacked him and threw him out of the factory,” Apu said, adding that his brother was not spared despite apologising.

He further claimed that a friend later informed him that Das had been taken to a police station on allegations of making derogatory remarks. “Soon after, I got another call telling me my brother had died,” Apu said. When the family arrived, they found Das’s body badly burnt.

Authorities find no basis for blasphemy claims

Both the Bangladesh Police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have stated that they have found nothing to substantiate the blasphemy allegations.

Mymensingh Additional Superintendent of Police Abdullah Al Mamun said the accusations were based entirely on unverified claims. “At this stage, we have not found any evidence to support those allegations,” he said.

Bhaluka Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Jahidul Islam said investigators were looking into whether an internal conflict at the factory spiralled into mob violence.

RAB official Md Shamsuzzaman said none of the witnesses could confirm that Das made any offensive comments. “Had there been any online posts or recorded remarks, they would have surfaced by now. We found nothing,” he said.

Local ward member Tofazzel Hossain suggested the killing appeared planned rather than impulsive. He claimed Das had ongoing disputes related to production targets, overtime issues and labour benefits, possibly leading to a deliberate attempt to remove him from the workplace.

According to investigators, Das was assaulted about a km away from the factory before his body was tied to a tree and set on fire.

Arrests made, India raises concern

The police have so far arrested 12 persons in connection with the killing, while the investigation continues.

India has voiced strong concern over the incident. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal termed the killing “horrendous” and said the situation in Bangladesh was being closely monitored.

“Our officials are in contact with the Bangladesh authorities and have conveyed India’s serious concerns over attacks on minorities,” he said, adding that those responsible must be held accountable.