Mob kills 'spiritual leader', torches shrine in Kushtia

An agitated mob killed a man described as a "spiritual leader" and set fire to his shrine on Saturday in Philipnagar village under Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia, following allegations of blasphemy.

The deceased was identified as 55-year-old Shamim Reza, also known as Jahangir, son of Shamsul Islam of the same area. Locals said he ran a 'Darbar Sharif', presenting himself as a 'Pir' and follower of Qalanda Baba Jahangir Sureshwari.

According to police and local sources, Shamim had recently made objectionable remarks about the Holy Quran during gatherings at his shrine. A video of the speech circulated on social media, which triggered anger among local residents.

Witnesses said hundreds of people gathered near the shrine from around 1:00pm on Saturday. The crowd later attacked the compound, vandalised structures and set several rooms on fire. Shamim and two followers present at the scene were beaten.

Police and Fire Service personnel rescued the injured around 3:00pm and took them to Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex. Shamim died at about 3:20pm while undergoing treatment. The two injured followers are receiving treatment.

Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Arifur Rahman said the incident occurred around 2:30pm and that additional police have been deployed to maintain order.

Local residents alleged that Shamim had been involved in controversial religious practices for several years and had faced criticism in the past. Police also said he had previously faced legal action in 2023 over similar allegations.

Thousands of people gathered in the area until evening, prompting heightened security deployment.

Kushtia Superintendent of Police Mohammad Jasim Uddin said the attackers were mainly local residents angered by Shamim's activities, while investigations are ongoing to identify those involved.

Senior district administration officials visited the scene, and authorities said efforts are underway to restore normalcy.