In a second mob killing in Bangladesh within days, 29-year-old Amrit Mandal, also known as Samrat, a leader from the Hindu minority, was beaten to death late Wednesday in Rajbari’s Pangsha upazila over alleged extortion attempts.

Authorities identified Mandal as the head of the “Samrat Bahini” gang, involved in murder, extortion, and terrorizing local residents. Mandal had previously fled to India during the Awami League regime, continuing his activities remotely before returning recently. Police noted he had an outstanding arrest warrant from a 2023 murder case.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. in Hossaindanga Purantan Bazar when Mandal allegedly demanded money at a local house. After finding the intended victim absent, he assaulted the owner’s son, prompting a violent response from locals who mistook him for a robber. Pangsha Model Police Station chief Sheikh Moinul Islam confirmed the events.

Government officials emphasized that there was no communal angle, describing the killing as a result of Mandal’s criminal activities and local outrage.