A youth was injured by a mob attack in the Sonadanga residential area of Khulna late Wednesday night for allegedly making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The injured, Utsab Mondal, a student at Azam Khan Government Commerce College.

According to locals and students, Utsab had made offensive remarks about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on social media.  In response, a group of students apprehended him and took him to the office of the Deputy Commissioner (South) of Khulna Metropolitan Police, Tajul Islam, around 7:45 pm on Wednesday.

As news of the incident spread, hundreds of people gathered, surrounded the office, and began protesting.

On information, members of the army and navy went there and tried to calm them down. At one stage, an angry mob entered the office around 12:45 am and beat up Utsab Mandal.

KMP Deputy Commissioner (South) Tajul Islam confirmed the matter.

He said the law enforcers had assured the protesters that a case would be filed against Utsab Mondal and that he would be brought to justice through the court. Still, the situation did not calm down. They beat up Utsab and seriously injured him.

The youth is alive and receiving treatment in critical condition. However, the matter has been kept secret for the safety of where treatment is being given, said Tajul Islam.

Meanwhile, Islamic religious leaders have urged people not to take the law into their own hands and to cooperate with law enforcement authorities.