Mumbai, December 25, 2025 - Bollywood actress Janhvi Kapoor has voiced strong condemnation of the brutal killing of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh, labeling the act "barbaric" and a "slaughter". The 27-year-old Hindu garment factory worker was reportedly beaten to death and set on fire by a mob in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, on December 18, after being accused of blasphemy.
Kapoor took to Instagram Stories on Thursday to express her outrage, urging people to confront extremism and avoid selective outrage. "What is happening in Bangladesh is barbaric. It is slaughter and it is not an isolated incident," she wrote. She encouraged people to learn about the "inhumane public lynching," watch the videos, and ask questions.
In her statement, Kapoor also addressed the issue of hypocrisy, stating, "We will continue to cry about things halfway across the globe while our own brothers and sisters are burnt to death". She emphasized the need to call out and condemn extremism in every form to preserve humanity. She highlighted the importance of recognizing false divisions and gaining knowledge to defend innocent lives continuously lost and terrorized.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage and protests both within Bangladesh and internationally. Demonstrations have taken place in cities like New Delhi, where protesters clashed with security personnel outside the Bangladesh High Commission. Human rights activists and civil society groups have decried the killing as a failure of law and order, reigniting debates about vigilantism and misinformation.
Authorities have arrested at least 12 individuals in connection with the murder. However, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has stated that there is no direct evidence of "religious defamation" in the case and that no one personally heard or witnessed anything related to it.
The killing of Dipu Chandra Das occurred against a backdrop of escalating violence in Bangladesh, following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a youth leader who was shot by unidentified assailants. Hadi's death had already sparked violent protests across the country.
The international community has also responded to the incident. The United Nations expressed concern over the violence, with Secretary-General António Guterres stating that "people who don't belong to the majority need to feel safe". US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi called the killing a "targeted mob attack" and urged Bangladeshi authorities to uphold the rule of law. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has also conveyed strong concerns to Bangladeshi authorities, urging that those responsible for the "barbaric killing" be brought to justice.
The Idea of India (IOI) Foundation has called on the international community to take cognizance of the incident and pressure Bangladeshi authorities to ensure justice. The foundation also plans to appeal to Bangladesh's interim chief, Muhammad Yunus, to conduct a transparent investigation, protect minorities, and implement institutional reforms.
Kapoor's condemnation adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding justice for Dipu Chandra Das and calling for an end to extremism and violence against minorities. Her strong stance has been praised on social media, with many applauding her courage in speaking out against such a sensitive issue.
