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In Rangpur’s Taragonj Upazila, the family of Ruplal Das and his son-in-law Pradeep Lal -- both beaten to death in a “mob” attack -- has alleged that suspects released on bail are now threatening them to withdraw the murder charges.
The threats and intimidation are aimed at forcing the family to drop the case filed over the lynching of the two men on suspicion of theft.
On Monday, Taragonj Police Sub-Inspector Pradeep Kumar Barman said the plaintiff, Ruplal’s wife Bharati Rani Das, has lodged a written complaint to the police over the threats.
In her complaint, Bharati, 36, said her husband and son-in-law were killed by a “mob” on Aug 9 last year. On Aug 10, she filed a murder case with Taragonj Police.
Police later arrested 12 people in connection with the killings after analysing technology-based evidence and video footage.
Among those arrested, Md Rubel Paikar, 30, was released on bail and, on Jan 22, allegedly threatened Bharati and her son Joy Rabidas after spotting them at Taragonj market.
Another suspect, known only as Sohag, has also been threatening them, she alleged.
Bharati said, “Because we refused to withdraw the case, the accused are abusing us, intimidating us in different ways and threatening to kill us.
“We filed the case hoping for justice. But now we are living in fear. We are being threatened with death.
“My son runs a small shop to support the family, and he is now very scared. They are constantly threatening us. We are helpless. That is why we went to the police.”
Her son Joy said, “In the video of my father being beaten to death, Rubel and Sohag can be clearly seen. Sohag is roaming the area openly, threatening us himself and through others to withdraw the case.
“But police are not arresting him. Rubel is out on bail and is threatening us. We are living in insecurity. Is it a crime to demand justice for my father’s murder?”
Asked about the allegations, Rubel said: “The allegations of threats are false. There are 700 accused in the case. What do we gain by telling her to withdraw it? These are fabricated accusations.
“I don’t even know her and have never been to her house.”
Attempts to contact Sohag were unsuccessful.
On Aug 9 last year, around 8:30pm, Ruplal was returning home in a van with his nephew’s husband Pradeep from Chharan Baluya in Mithapukur.
At Burirhat Battala in Sayar Union, locals stopped and questioned them.
They searched a black bag Pradeep was carrying and found a beverage bottle and some medicine.
When the bottle was opened, a foul smell made several people feel sick, sparking panic. An angry mob dragged the two men to a school ground and beat them mercilessly.
They were rescued and taken to Taragonj Health Complex, where Ruplal was declared dead.
Pradeep later died early the next morning while undergoing treatment at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.