Mob Lynching of Scrap Dealer in Dhaka Sparks National Outrage

On July 9, a mob dragged 39‑year‑old scrap dealer Lal Chand Sohag from his shop near Gate 3 of Sir Salimullah Medical College and Hospital in Old Dhaka. He was brutally beaten with concrete slabs, stones, and metal rods. The attackers stripped him, stomped on his body, and even performed celebratory gestures after confirming his death. Hundreds of bystanders watched as brutal violence unfolded on a busy street.

Investigation and Arrests

Within days, law enforcement arrested five suspects, including Mahmudul Hasan Mohin and Tarek Rahman Robin. Investigators identified more accused through forensic and CCTV review. A total of nine arrests have been made so far, including members linked to youth wings of political parties. Authorities filed separate charges under criminal laws and the Arms Act.

According to Dhaka police, the motive was not political but a violent business rivalry. Sohag’s growing scrap business clashed with that of local competitors. Investigators traced disputes over metal trade access and financial friction, not ideological conflict. Nevertheless, suspicion of involvement by politically affiliated groups sparked further concern.

The video of the lynching went viral, prompting mass student protests across Dhaka University, Jagannath University, BRAC University, and Eden College. Protesters shouted slogans like “Who gave you beasts the right to kill?” and called the interim administration’s failure to curb mob justice intolerable. Students also shut down operations at Mitford Hospital, demanding enhanced security.

Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Jahangir Alam Chowdhury described the incident as “extremely tragic and barbaric.” He assured that all suspects would face justice regardless of political ties. Authorities shifted the case to a Speedy Trial Tribunal. The message from law enforcement was clear: criminals will not evade consequences.

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