A follower of slain pir Abdur Rahman has said the spiritual leader folded his hands and asked for a chance to speak before he was attacked during a mob assault on his shrine in Philipnagar, Daulatpur, Kushtia.
Speaking on Sunday, devotee Jamiron, who said she was near the entrance when the violence began, described a large group carrying rods and sticks marching toward the compound, breaking the gate, and forcing their way inside. She alleged that the attackers then went upstairs, dragged Abdur Rahman from his room, and beat him as they brought him downstairs. According to her account, he tried to plead with them, but no one listened.
Another follower, Rima Khatun, was present alongside Jamiron when the account was given. Jamiron said she was also injured during the attack and later received treatment at Daulatpur উপজেলা Health Complex.
Local residents, speaking on condition of anonymity, said anger had spread after an old video clip circulated on social media on Friday, in which Abdur Rahman was alleged to have made derogatory remarks about the Holy Quran. They said a crowd gathered near the shrine on Saturday morning and later moved toward the compound, where the attack took place.
Videos shared online appear to show a large procession heading toward the shrine, with parts of the compound subsequently vandalized and set on fire. Witnesses said several people inside the compound were also injured, while others fled. Fire service personnel later brought the blaze under control.
Police said the body was taken for autopsy at Kushtia General Hospital. Hospital officials said the victim had multiple injuries and died from heavy blood loss. After the examination, the body was taken back to Philipnagar, where burial preparations were underway with the consent of the family and local residents.
District police said law-enforcement personnel remain deployed in the village to maintain order as the investigation continues.