India Condemns Killing Of Prominent Hindu Leader Bhabesh Chandra Roy In Bangladesh, Flags Pattern Of Systematic Minority Persecution

India on Saturday (19 April) condemned the abduction and murder of Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a prominent Hindu leader in Bangladesh, calling it part of a broader pattern of systematic persecution of minorities in the neighbouring country.

“We have noted with distress the abduction and brutal killing of Shri Bhabesh Chandra Roy, a Hindu minority leader in Bangladesh. This killing follows a pattern of systematic persecution of Hindu minorities under the interim government even as the perpetrators of previous such events roam with impunity,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X.

“We condemn this incident and once again remind the interim government to live up to its responsibility of protecting all minorities, including Hindus, without inventing excuses or making distinctions," Jaiswal added.

Roy, 58, was allegedly abducted from his home and beaten to death in Bangladesh's northern Dinajpur district, according to local media reports.

Roy’s body was recovered on Thursday night, reported The Daily Star, quoting both police officials and family members.

His wife, Shantana, said Roy had received a phone call around 4.30 pm, believed to be from the perpetrators, confirming he was at home.

Around half an hour later, four men arrived on two motorcycles and allegedly abducted Bhabesh from the premises.

Roy was then taken to Narabari village, where he was brutally assaulted.

He was sent home unconscious in a van, and family members immediately rushed him to a hospital in Dinajpur. However, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

Roy, 58, was a resident of Basudebpur village under Shatagram Union. He was the vice-president of the Biral unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and was a prominent leader of the Hindu community in the area.

The killing has sparked outrage, with India asking Bangladesh to ensure the safety and rights of its minorities.

On Friday, India also rejected comments made by Bangladeshi officials regarding violence in West Bengal, asking Dhaka to focus on protecting its own minorities instead of engaging in "virtue signalling".

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