Another man lynched in Bangladesh over alleged extortion
Dhaka/New Delhi (PTI): A Hindu man has been lynched in Bangladesh over alleged extortion, according to media reports, days after another man from the minority religion was lynched in the country.
The incident took place on Wednesday in Rajbari town's Pangsha upazila, The Daily Star newspaper on Thursday quoted police as saying.
The deceased, identified as Amrit Mondal, had allegedly formed a criminal gang and was involved in extortion and other criminal activities.
ASLO READ: Continue pollution control measures as western disturbance may worsen Delhi weather: Minister Sirsa
The interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus "strongly condemned" the killing while asserting that it was not a communal attack.
On the day of the incident, Mondal was beaten up by locals when he, along with his group members, tried to extort money from a resident's house, the report said.
Upon receiving information about the incident, police rushed to the spot and rescued Mondal in a critical condition.
He was taken to a hospital where doctors declared him dead around 2:00 am, Assistant Superintendent of Police (Pangsha Circle) Debrata Sarkar said, according to the report.
Mondal's body was sent to Rajbari Sadar Hospital morgue for an autopsy, Sarkar said.
Most of his associates fled after the incident, but police arrested one man and recovered firearms from his possession.
According to the police, Mondal had at least two cases filed against him, including a murder case.
Condemning the killing, the interim government said in a statement that it "does not support any kind of illegal activities, mass beatings or violence,” the state-run BSS news agency reported.
In a statement, the government said that the incident was not a communal attack but one stemming from a violent situation arising from extortion and terrorist activities.
Legal action will be taken against everyone directly or indirectly involved in the incident, it said.
The incident comes a week after another Hindu man, Dipu Das, was lynched and his body set on fire over blasphemy allegations in Mymensingh.
Police and other law enforcement agencies have made 12 arrests in the case so far.
Das’ killing sparked widespread protests by factory workers, students and rights groups in Dhaka and elsewhere in Bangladesh, and India expressed its concerns as well.
The interim government has said it would take care of Das' minor child, as well as his wife and parents.
The Hindu population in Bangladesh has been affected by a series of incidents against minority communities in the country after the ouster of then-prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August last year.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Karnataka gram panchayats achieve record 89 pc tax collection in 2025-26: Minister
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka has achieved a significant milestone in grassroots governance, with 5,943 gram panchayats across the state recording higher tax collection and revenue realisation in 2025-26 compared to the previous financial year, Minister Priyank Kharge said on Thursday.
The Department of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj reported total tax collections of Rs 1,382.57 crore in 2025-26, marking an increase of Rs 110.04 crore over Rs 1,272.54 crore collected in 2024-25, the minister’s office said in a statement.
This represents a record 89 per cent realisation of the current demand, the highest in recent years, it added.
The Minister for Rural Development & Panchayat Raj said, “Our focus over the past few years has been on improving systems, ensuring accountability, and empowering local bodies to enhance their own revenue capabilities.”
“It is encouraging to see that every rupee collected is being reinvested into village infrastructure, public services, and local development. This is laying a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable rural growth,” he added.
Karnataka had previously secured the top position at the national level in tax collection and revenue mobilisation, and the continued upward trend highlights the impact of efficient administration, strict enforcement of regulations, and strengthened tax collection mechanisms.
In 2024-25, gram panchayats had, for the first time in the department’s history, collected Rs 1,272.54 crore, achieving 80 per cent of the current demand.
Building on this momentum, the state further improved performance in 2025–26, reaching a record 89 per cent collection efficiency, the statement said.
This achievement has been driven by extensive awareness campaigns, targeted tax collection drives, and the sustained efforts of officials at all levels—from gram panchayat bill collectors to senior administrators, the minister said, congratulating all staff and officers for their contribution.
Highlighting district-level performance, Priyank noted that Raichur district recorded an exceptional 129 per cent tax collection, while 11 districts across the state achieved over 100 per cent collection, demonstrating strong local-level execution and compliance.
Over the past three years, Karnataka has witnessed a steady upward trend in tax collection. The increased revenue is being channelled into public works, improved civic services, and local development initiatives, contributing to the overall progress of rural communities, he added.
