Threats to Family of Mob Attack Victims

In Taraganj, Rangpur, the family of Rup Lal Das and his brother-in-law Pradip Lal, who were brutally killed by a mob, have reported receiving death threats and intimidation aimed at pressuring them to withdraw the murder case. Rup Lal’s wife, Bharati Rani, lodged a written complaint at Taraganj Police Station on Monday, 26 January.

Bharati Rani, 36, told reporters that her husband and brother-in-law were attacked and killed by an angry mob on 9 August last year. “The following day, I filed a murder case at Taraganj Police Station. Police, using forensic analysis and reviewing video evidence, have so far arrested 12 people involved in the attack,” she said.

However, she claimed that since one of the accused, Rubel Paikar, was granted bail, he has been threatening her and her son Joy to withdraw the case. “On 22 January, Rubel confronted us at Taraganj market, demanding that we drop the case. Another accused, Sohag, has also been issuing threats,” Bharati Rani stated.

She added, “Because we refused to bow to their pressure, the accused have been verbally abusing us, intimidating us in multiple ways, and even threatening our lives. I filed this case seeking justice, but now we live in fear. My son runs a small shop to support our family, and he is terrified as well. We feel completely helpless, which is why I have turned to the police for protection.”

Rup Lal’s son, Joy Ravidass, said, “Rubel Paikar and Sohag are clearly visible in the video of my father’s beating. Sohag walks around the neighbourhood openly, threatening us and instructing others to coerce us into dropping the case. Despite this, the police have not taken any action. Rubel came out on bail and continues to threaten us. Seeking justice for my father is not a crime, yet we are living in constant fear.”

When asked about the allegations, Rubel Paikar denied them, claiming, “These accusations are fabricated. There are 700 accused in this case. How can two of us tell people to withdraw the case? These are all false claims. I do not know her personally and have never been to her home.” Authorities were unable to reach Sohag for comment.

Taraganj Police confirmed the complaint. Sub-Inspector Pradip Kumar Barman, the duty officer, verified that the matter is under investigation.

The original mob attack took place on the evening of 9 August. Rup Lal Das was returning home with his brother-in-law Pradip Lal from Mitapukur’s Charan Baluya area in a van when local residents at Burirhat Bottola in Sayer Union stopped them and interrogated them. During a search, they found a black bag containing a bottle of liquor and some medicine. When the bottle was opened, a foul smell reportedly triggered the mob, who then dragged the two men to a nearby school ground and subjected them to a severe beating.

Rup Lal was declared dead at Taraganj Health Complex, while Pradip Lal succumbed to his injuries the following morning at Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Timeline of Events

The investigation is ongoing, and the family continues to demand justice and protection amid growing fear and intimidation from the accused.