‘Cops Can’t Protect You’: Hindu Teen Accused Of Blasphemy Brutally Thrashed In Bangladesh, Videos Go Viral

A Bengali Hindu man named Utsab Mandal was assaulted by an irate mob in Bangladesh over allegations of blasphemy, Bangladeshi minority rights groups said. The video of the incident has gone viral on social media as well. News18 could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos going viral on social media.

Mandal, a resident of Khulna, was assaulted in front of senior cops, army men and administration officials. He was initially declared dead to satisfy the bloodthirsty mob but it was later confirmed by the Inter-Service Public Relations department of the Bangladeshi Army that he is safe and being treated for his injuries.

The ISPR statement highlighted that Utsab Mandal will be handed to law enforcement after his hospital release, as he is booked in a blasphemy case. It also referred to the lynching attempt by an Islamist mob and emphasized the Bangladesh army remains committed to preventing extrajudicial killings and upholding the rule of law.

“It may be noted that a case is pending against the said person by law enforcement forces for causing hurt to religious sentiments ​​and he will be handed over to the law enforcement forces following due legal process,” the ISPR said in its press release, highlighting that legal action will be taken against Mandal for alleged blasphemy.

Local reports state that Mandal, a student of Azam Khan Government Commerce College in Khulna, allegedly “taunted” Prophet Muhammad in a Facebook post. Later that evening, students and locals brought him to the office of Khulna Metropolitan Deputy Commissioner (South), Tajul Islam, demanding punishment.