DHAKA: The family of Khokon Chandra Das, on January 2, recounted the horrors of a brutal attack on him, saying that the motive of the mob, reportedly comprising Islamists, behind the attack was unclear, as he was a peaceful man. Das is currently undergoing treatment in Dhaka after suffering 30 per cent burns in the attack.
His wife, Seema Das, was inconsolable as she spoke to ANI. Carrying her infant in her arms, she lamented how the Islamists caught hold of Das as he was about to enter the house and was attacked.
“My husband, who is a businessman, was entering the house when he was attacked by a mob gasoline and was set on fire. He is a patient man who leads a peaceful life. He has no enmity with anyone, and we are unable to understand the motive behind the attack,” she said.
Anjana Rani Das, the sister of the victim, said that Das was left bloodied as a result of sticks being blown on his head.
“The attack occurred at 8:30pm. The crowd hit him on the head and poured gasoline on him before setting him on fire. He tried to jump in the water while crying for help,” she said, recounting the gruesome attack.
Sourabh Das, nephew of Khokon Das, told ANI that he rushed to the hospital soon after knowing of the attack and his uncle was critical.
“I reached the hospital as soon as I got the call about my uncle being attacked. The police reached the scene and is investigating the matter. My uncle’s face and hands were burnt,” he said.
Pranto Das, another nephew of the victim, demanded a thorough investigation into the attack.
“We want thorough investigation and criminals to be brought to justice. My uncle never had enmity with anyone. He is in ICU and is extremely critical. The bloodthirsty mob came to him with the intent of murder,” he said.
Islamists hacked and injured Das in Damudya, Shariatpur. At that time, petrol was poured on his body and set on fire. The incident took place near Keurbhanga Bazar in Kaneshwar Union of Damudya around 8:30 pm on Wednesday, as per Prothom Alo.
Locals later rescued him and took him to Shariatpur Sadar Hospital, where he received his initial treatment in the emergency department and was later sent to Dhaka later that night for advanced treatment, as his condition deteriorated. (With inputs from ANI)
