Priest Seriously Injured in Old Dhaka Attack

A Hindu priest was seriously injured after being attacked with sharp weapons by unidentified assailants in the Narinda area of Old Dhaka, in what appears to be a violent robbery. The attackers allegedly fled with his mobile phone and wallet, while the victim was left critically wounded at the scene before being rescued and admitted to hospital.

The incident took place at around midnight on Monday, 29 June, in front of Agrani Bank on 15 Narinda Road, under Wari Police Station in the capital.

The victim, 25-year-old Subhash Deuri, is the son of Shyamal Deuri from Sreepur Upazila in Magura District. He currently lives in a rented residence on Narinda Road, where he had been staying while carrying out his religious duties.

According to his roommate, Durjoy Saha, Subhash left his residence late at night to buy medicine from a nearby pharmacy. While on his way, he was allegedly ambushed by a group of assailants. They attacked him with sharp weapons, inflicting severe injuries to his head, hands and legs before taking his mobile phone and wallet.

Durjoy said the priest remained unconscious at the scene for a considerable period before anyone became aware of the attack. After receiving information the following morning, local residents helped rescue him, and he was taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital at around 8:00 am. He is currently undergoing treatment under close medical supervision.

The incident took another disturbing turn when, according to Durjoy, an unidentified individual allegedly used the stolen mobile phone to contact Subhash’s sister, Jaya, and demanded Tk20,000. Family members subsequently informed the law enforcement authorities about the alleged extortion attempt. At this stage, the claim has been made by the family and has not been independently verified by the police.

Priyanta Swarnakar, convener 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 targeted by muggers during the late-night attack. He added that no further confirmed details regarding the motive or circumstances had yet emerged.

Attempts to reach Subhash on his mobile phone after the incident were unsuccessful, with the device reportedly switched off.

Inspector Faruk Hossain, who is in charge of the police outpost at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, confirmed that the victim is receiving treatment at the hospital. He said the matter has been reported to Wari Police Station and that the legal process is now under way.

Meanwhile, Wari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Matiur Rahman said he first learned of the incident through journalists. As of the time of his statement, no general diary or formal complaint had been lodged with the police. He added that an investigation and necessary legal action would begin once an official complaint is submitted.

The attack has once again drawn attention to concerns over late-night street crime in parts of the capital. While investigators have yet to determine the precise motive behind the assault, authorities are expected to examine the allegations of robbery, the reported ransom demand, and the circumstances surrounding the violent attack as part of the ongoing inquiry.