'Sufi shrine' leader hacked to death in Kushtia over blasphemy allegations

The attackers also vandalised and set the “shrine” on fire during the assault, police say

A local “shrine” leader has been beaten and hacked to death after a mob attacked his establishment in Kushtia’s Daulatpur Upazila over allegations of blasphemy.

The victim, 55-year-old Shamim Reza, also known as Jahangir, operated the shrine in Philipnagar village under Philipnagar Union.

The attackers also vandalised the premises and set them on fire during the assault, which took place around 2:30pm, according to Daulatpur Police chief Ariful Islam.

Several others were injured in the violence.

Police said the attack was triggered by allegations of "insulting religion" against Shamim.

Local authorities and police forces have been deployed to the area to bring the situation under control.

Witnesses said a group of assailants brought out a protest procession and launched the attack on the “shrine”.

They hacked and beat Shamim indiscriminately while also carrying out extensive vandalism and arson on the premises. Several followers were present at the shrine during the assault.

Officer Ariful said the attack was provoked by a video that recently went viral on social media.

"We believe the video is old. After seeing it, a group of people and aggrieved locals attacked the shrine, set it on fire, and vandalised it. Shamim Reza was killed in the attack,” said Ariful.

The situation is now under control, he said, while the body has been kept at the Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex.

Shamim had been arrested in May 2023 on charges of hurting religious sentiments, according to police.

After serving a prison sentence, he was released and had recently returned to the shrine to resume his activities with his followers.

Kushtia Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammad Jasim Uddin said while the specific identities of the attackers are yet to be confirmed, the victim's previous actions had triggered public backlash in the past.

"Someone brought this old video to the forefront, leading to this sudden incident. The attackers were all locals. We are working to identify everyone involved," the SP said.