Priest Seriously Injured in Old Dhaka Attack

A young Hindu priest was seriously injured after being attacked with sharp weapons by unidentified assailants in Old Dhaka, in what appears to be a violent robbery. The attackers allegedly fled with his mobile phone and wallet, leaving him critically wounded on the roadside. He is currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH).

The incident took place at around midnight on Monday (29 June) in front of Agrani Bank on Narinda Road, under Wari Police Station in the capital’s historic Old Dhaka area.

The victim, 25-year-old Subhash Deuri, is the son of Shyamal Deuri from Sreepur Upazila in Magura district. He had been living in rented accommodation on Narinda Road while working as a priest.

According to his roommate, Durjoy Saha, Subhash left his residence late at night to purchase medicine from a nearby pharmacy. While on his way, he was reportedly ambushed by a group of assailants who attacked him without warning. He sustained severe injuries to his head, hands and legs after being struck with sharp weapons.

Following the assault, the attackers allegedly took his mobile phone and wallet before fleeing the scene. Durjoy said Subhash remained unconscious on the roadside for a considerable period before anyone became aware of his condition.

After receiving information about the incident the following morning, local residents helped rescue the injured priest. He was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at around 8:00 am, where doctors admitted him for treatment. Hospital sources said he remains under close medical observation because of the seriousness of his injuries.

The incident took another alarming turn when, according to Durjoy Saha, an unidentified individual allegedly contacted Subhash’s sister, Jaya, using the stolen mobile phone and demanded Tk20,000. The family subsequently informed law enforcement authorities about the phone call. The claim has yet to be independently verified by police.

Priyanta Swarnakar, convenor of the Jagannath University Temple Committee, said committee members planned to visit the injured priest at the hospital. Based on the information available so far, he believes Subhash was attacked by robbers during the night, although he stressed that no definitive conclusion could be drawn until the authorities complete their investigation.

Attempts to reach Subhash on his mobile phone after the incident were unsuccessful, as the handset remained switched off.

Inspector Faruk Hossain, who is in charge of the police outpost at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, confirmed that the victim is undergoing treatment. He said the matter has been reported to Wari Police Station and the necessary legal procedures are being initiated.

However, Wari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Matiur Rahman said police first learned about the incident through journalists. He added that, as of the time of his statement, neither a General Diary (GD) nor a formal complaint had been filed with the police regarding the attack. He said appropriate legal action would be taken once an official complaint is received and the circumstances surrounding the incident are investigated.

The attack has raised fresh concerns about late-night street crime in parts of Old Dhaka, where incidents of robbery and violent assaults occasionally occur. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible and determine whether the primary motive was robbery or whether other factors may have been involved.