Attacks on Hindus: 2000 sued, 53 detained

Police on Saturday filed two cases against 2000 unnamed people in connection with arson attacks on the homes of Hindus in Rangpur.

The cases were filed by police with Gangachara and Kotwali Police Stations. A total of 53 people were detained so far in this incident, said Additional Superintendent of Police Jakir Hossain.

Police presence in the area was increased following the attack.

The district administration is making special arrangements to compensate the victims of the attacks.

The affected have been given two bundles of tin and Tk 3,000. Some dry food has also been provided by the administration.

According to the source, Titu Chandra, a resident of Thakurbari village, allegedly posted a picture on his Facebook account with derogatory remarks about Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PUBH).

Over the issue, several hundred people gathered at Pagla Pirer Bazar, adjacent to Thakurbari village, after Juma prayers and started chanting slogans demanding immediate arrest of Titu Chandra.

Later, around 8,000 people from nearby villages thronged the bazaar and marched towards Thakurbari village, a Hindu-dominated village.

Reaching the village, the angry people vandalised and torched 8-10 houses of the Hindu community.

On information, police rushed in, charged baton, fired rubber bullets and lobbed teargas canisters to disperse the agitating people, leaving six people injured with bullets.

One of the injured - Habib - died while being moved to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.