The family of ‘pir’ Abdus Rahman Shamim, a self-proclaimed spiritual figure, has decided not to file a case over his killing in Daulatpur upazila of Kushtia.
He was beaten and hacked to death during a mob violence on Saturday in Darogar Mor area of Philipnagar union over allegations of “religious defamation” were raised.
The decision was taken in a meeting involving his three brothers and other relatives in the presence of police officers.
On Monday morning, the victim’s elder brother Fazlur Rahman confirmed the development. He said the family had jointly decided not to proceed with the case.
He added, “We have decided not to file a case. I am old now. I do not have the capacity to run around for these matters.”
“The family had gathered on Sunday night after Shamim’s burial, where police officers were also present and repeatedly urged them to file a case. But we have decided not to go that way,” he also said.
Earlier, Arifur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Daulatpur Police Station, said that the police were waiting for the family to come forward to file a case.
When contacted again on Monday morning, he said he had not heard that the family would not file a case and added that they were expected to come that day.
On Saturday afternoon, a group attacked a shrine known as “Shamim Baba’s Darbar Sharif”, vandalised it and set it on fire. During the attack, Abdul Rahman, also known as Shamim and Jahangir, 65, the head of the shrine, was beaten and hacked to death.
Three of his followers — Mohan Ali, Jamirun Nesa and Jubayer — were also injured in the attack.
