Three die after mob attack over Pabna rape, murder case

Three people have died from severe burn injuries sustained during an arson attack on houses belonging to individuals accused in the rape and murder of a teenage girl in Pabna, according to police.

The deceased were identified as Sumon Sheikh of Purbo Raghabpur Village, and Saiful Islam Sabbir and Md Sapu of Natunpara Village.

It was known that they died at different times between Monday night and early Tuesday while receiving treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka.

Police, however, have not independently confirmed whether the deceased were directly involved in the rape and murder case that triggered the violence.

The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following the recovery of a teenage girl's body from the Padma River on 3 June. According to police and local residents, the body was found inside a sack, sparking widespread outrage in the area.

A day later, after the girl's funeral, angry locals allegedly carried out attacks on the homes of people accused in the crime. During the violence, several houses were set on fire.

Witnesses and local sources said a petrol container exploded while the arson was underway, causing burn injuries to multiple individuals present at the scene. Several injured people were later taken to hospitals for treatment, with three eventually succumbing to their injuries.

Officer-in-Charge of Pabna Sadar Police Station Tarikul Islam confirmed the deaths and said the victims had been undergoing treatment in Dhaka since the incident.

Police also stated that no members of the accused families were inside the targeted houses when the fire broke out.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into both the rape and murder case and the subsequent arson attack. The incident has raised concerns over mob violence and the risks associated with retaliatory actions following serious criminal allegations.

Law enforcement officials have urged the public to allow investigations to proceed through legal channels while efforts continue to identify all those involved in the violence.