The bodies of an elderly Hindu couple, a former freedom fighter and his wife were found inside their home in Taraganj Upazila of Rangpur District early Sunday, prompting shock among residents and fears among minority communities.
The deceased have been identified as 75-year-old Jogesh Chandra Roy, a retired headteacher and veteran of the 1971 Liberation War, and his 60-year-old wife Suborna Roy. Both belonged to the Hindu minority.
Discovery and Crime Scene
Neighbours alarmed by a lack of response to repeated knocks — entered the house around 7:30 a.m. after climbing a ladder. Inside, they discovered Suborna Roy’s body in the kitchen and Jogesh Chandra Roy’s body in the dining room, both with their throats slit.
The couple lived alone in the village house; their two sons are reportedly serving in the police force.
Background of the Victims
Jogesh Chandra Roy was a respected teacher and former headmaster of a government primary school, and a recognized veteran (Muktijoddha) of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War. He had retired in 2017.
Locals describe the couple as quiet and unassuming; there was no known history of disputes or conflict involving them.
Investigation Launched, Motive Unknown
Police from Taraganj Police Station, along with forensic and detective teams, examined the scene at the request of the district authorities. While preliminary observations suggest fatal head injuries, an autopsy has been ordered to determine cause and time of death precisely.
As yet, no suspects have been formally named, no arrests made, and no clear motive whether robbery, personal vendetta, or communal hatred has been established.
Reaction and Minority Concerns
The brutal killing of a Hindu former freedom fighter and his wife has sparked outrage and fear within the local community and among minority-rights groups. Many view the incident not just as a crime, but as a possible sign of rising vulnerability of minority communities.
Some local leaders have urged swift police action and demanded transparent investigation, warning that failure to do so could fuel mistrust and unrest.
