Date: January 10, 2026 Location: Shariatpur, Bangladesh
In a gruesome incident that has shocked the local community, Khokan Chandra Das (50), a businessman and mobile banking agent, was hacked and burned to death in Damudya Upazila, Shariatpur. The attack, which occurred on New Year’s Eve, led to his death three days later and has resulted in the arrest of three suspects who have since confessed to the crime.
The Incident
On the night of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Khokan Chandra Das was returning home after closing his pharmacy and mobile banking shop in the Keurbhanga market. Around 9:30 PM, as he reached the Tilai area of Koneshwar Union, he was intercepted by a group of assailants.
According to police reports and local sources, the attackers first hacked him with sharp weapons, inflicting severe injuries on four parts of his body. Following the physical assault, they poured petrol on him and set him on fire. In a desperate bid to save his life, a critically injured Khokan jumped into a nearby roadside pond. Hearing his screams, locals rushed to the scene, prompting the attackers to flee.
Medical Struggle and Death
Khokan was initially rushed to the Shariatpur Sadar Hospital. Due to the severity of his burns and wounds—covering approximately 30% of his body—he was transferred to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries on the morning of Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Investigation and Arrests
Following the attack, Khokan’s father, Paresh Chandra Das, filed a murder case at the Damudya Police Station. The case drew immediate attention from law enforcement, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
On Sunday, January 4, 2026, a joint team from RAB-8 and RAB-14 conducted a raid in the Bajitpur area of Kishoreganj district, successfully arresting three prime suspects. The arrestees were identified as:
- Sohag Khan (27)
- Rabbi Molla (21)
- Palash Sardar (25)
All three are residents of the Damudya area.
Confession and Motive
Upon being handed over to the police, the suspects were produced before the Shariatpur Chief Judicial Magistrate Court. On Monday, January 5, they gave a confessional statement under Section 164.
According to the investigating officer and the confessions:
- Motive: The primary motive cited by the accused was robbery (hijacking). They had planned to rob the businessman of his cash earnings.
- Premeditation: The group had followed Khokan from his shop. They had brought petrol in a bottle, indicating a premeditated intent to cause grievous harm or destroy evidence.
- The Burning: The accused claimed they set him on fire after the robbery attempt. However, victim statements (before his death) and local accounts suggest Khokan may have recognized the attackers, leading them to try and kill him to hide their identities. Despite the brutality, the attackers reportedly fled without managing to steal the money due to the arrival of locals.
Public Reaction
The brutality of the murder—combining hacking with burning—has sparked fear and outrage in the locality. While police have categorized it as a robbery gone wrong, some community leaders and minority rights groups have expressed concern over the safety of business owners and minorities in the region, citing recent trends in violence.
Summary of Key Facts
- Victim: Khokan Chandra Das (50), Son of Paresh Chandra Das.
- Crime Scene: Tilai, Damudya, Shariatpur.
- Date of Attack: Dec 31, 2025.
- Date of Death: Jan 3, 2026.
- Arrests: 3 individuals (Sohag, Rabbi, Palash).
- Legal Status: Suspects have confessed in court; sent to jail.
(Sources: Prothom Alo, Jugantor, Samakal, The Daily Ittefaq, The Hindu)
You can watch a related news report on the incident here: Khokan Das Attacked And Burned Alive This video provides a visual report on the attack and the subsequent death of Khokan Chandra Das, including details on the nature of the injuries.