Family Threatened After Mob Killing Case

In Taraganj, Rangpur, the widow and son of Rup Lal Das, who was lynched along with his brother-in-law Pradip Lal last year, have come forward alleging threats and intimidation aimed at pressuring them to withdraw a murder case. Rup Lal’s wife, Bharati Rani, lodged a formal complaint at Taraganj police station on Monday, 26 January.

Bharati Rani, 36, recounted the harrowing events: “On 9 August last year, my husband Rup Lal and my brother-in-law Pradip Lal were brutally beaten to death by a mob. On 10 August, I filed a murder case at Taraganj Police Station. Following a detailed investigation using digital forensics and video analysis, the police arrested 12 individuals implicated in the killings.”

She alleged that among those arrested, Rubel Paikar, 30, who was released on bail, approached her and her son Joy in Taraganj market on 22 January and threatened them to withdraw the case. Another accused, Sohag, has also reportedly been intimidating the family.

“Because we refused to withdraw the case, the accused have verbally abused us and are threatening to kill us,” Bharati Rani stated. “I filed this case seeking justice, but now we are living in fear for our lives. My son works outside to support the family, and he is terrified as well. We are completely helpless, which is why I have turned to the police for protection.”

Joy Rbidas, Rup Lal’s son, said: “In the video footage of my father being beaten to death, Rubel Paikar and Sohag are clearly visible. Sohag roams freely in the area, intimidating us and pressuring us to drop the case. Even after Rubel was released on bail, he continued threatening us. Is seeking justice for my father a crime?”

When questioned, Rubel Paikar dismissed the allegations as fabricated, claiming, “There are 700 accused in the case. What benefit would it bring us to approach two individuals and ask them to withdraw the case? These are completely false accusations. I do not know her personally and have never been to her home.” Efforts to contact Sohag were unsuccessful.

Taraganj Police Station’s duty officer, SI Pradip Kumar Barman, confirmed receipt of Bharati Rani’s complaint.

Background of the Incident:

On the night of 9 August, Rup Lal was returning home by van from Charan Baluya area in Mithapukur, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Pradip Lal. At Budirhat Bottola in Siyar Union, local residents stopped the van for questioning. During a search of Pradip Lal’s black bag, a bottle of beverage and some medicines were found. When the bottle cap was opened, a foul odour emanated, triggering the mob to take both men to a nearby school ground and subject them to a savage lynching.

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

Timeline of Events:

The case has now drawn attention not only for the brutality of the mob attack but also for the ongoing threats faced by the victims’ family, highlighting concerns about their security and the need for stringent law enforcement.