Rangpur: In a tragic and shocking incident amid continuing targeted assaults on Hindus in Bangladesh, a retired Hindu schoolteacher, his wife, their 23-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son were found dead inside their locked home in Rangpur under mysterious circumstances. The incident has triggered a multi-agency investigation and police suspect strangulation(attack on the neck region, that blocks blood flow & leads to death), but are awaiting post-mortem reports to establish the exact cause, timing and circumstances of the deaths.
The tragic scenario, has once again mirrored the precarious state of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh, who are risiding under constant fear, targeted violence and threat to life. Over the past year, Hindus in Bangladesh have been subjected to mob lynching, abuse, torching Hindu houses, disrupting Hindu temples, idols and festivities etc. with no concrete & stringent action from the government or law enforcement agencies. On the other hand, inhuman incidents targeting Hindus, continues to soar across Bangladesh.
Family found dead after phones went unreachable
The four-member family was found dead at their residence in the Daspara (Machhuapara) area of Rangpur city late on August 22, Saturday. Police recovered the bodies at around 11:30PM after relatives raised concerns when they were unable to contact to the family.
The deceased were identified as retired Rangpur Zilla School teacher Ganapati Chakraborty, 65; his wife, Pritilata Chakraborty, 50; their daughter, Agami Chakraborty Prarthi, 23; and their son, Priyam Chakraborty, 12.
According to local residents and relatives, Ganapati had retired from Rangpur Zilla School on December 31 last year. Following his retirement, he reportedly worked as a homoeopathic practitioner. His daughter Agami had recently completed her Master’s degree in English from Rangpur Carmichael College, while Priyam was a Class 5 student at Rangpur Zilla School.
The incident came to light after family members became increasingly concerned over the family’s disappearance. Pritilata’s younger sister, Puja Chakraborty, said she had last spoken to her sister on August 20, Thursday afternoon. The family’s four mobile phones were reportedly switched off from Thursday night.
Puja and her husband reached the residence on August 22, Saturday night and found the main gate locked from outside, with the lights inside the house switched off. Police were subsequently informed and broke the lock before entering the property.
Bodies found at different locations; strangulation suspected
The discovery of the bodies at different locations inside the house has added to the mystery surrounding the incident. Subir Chowdhury, in-charge of Rangpur Metropolitan CID, said Pritilata and Agami were found on the staircase, while Ganapati’s body was recovered from the roof. Priyam’s body was found underneath a bed.
Police have initially suspected that the victims may have been strangled. Chowdhury said the deaths may have occurred sometime between midnight on Thursday and early Friday, although the exact timeline will be determined through forensic examination and post-mortem reports.
Police, the Criminal Investigation Department and the Detective Branch have launched a joint investigation. Investigators are examining the house and gathering evidence to determine how the four died and who may have been responsible.
Relatives said they were unaware of any dispute involving Ganapati and described him as a peaceful person with no known enemies. The family had reportedly built a new house in the area and had been living there for around four years.
