Over 1,000 named in 3 cases over Khagrachhari violence

Police have filed three cases over recent violence in Khagrachhari’s Guimara and Sadar upazilas, accusing more than 1,000 unidentified individuals.

Guimara Police Station recorded two cases, including one for murder, while another case was filed with Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station, said officials.

Guimara Police OC Md Enamul Haque Chowdhury said violence erupted on September 28 between 11:30am and 4pm, when protesters defied Section 144 and attacked members of the army, police, and other law enforcement agencies. The unrest also involved arson and vandalism, and later, three bodies were recovered from a paddy field.

As the victims’ families did not come forward, Sub-Inspector Sohel Rana lodged a murder case against 100 unidentified persons and another case against 250 more for arson, violence, and attacks, the OC added.

Meanwhile, Khagrachhari Sadar Police filed a case over clashes in Mahajan Para, Swanirvar, and areas near the upazila complex on September 27. SI Shahin, as complainant, accused 700–800 unidentified individuals of violating Section 144, said Sadar OC Abdul Baten Mridha.

The violence stemmed from allegations that a Marma teenager had been gang-raped in Khagrachhari Sadar on September 23, sparking protests across the district. However, a three-member medical board later reported no evidence of rape. Police, with army assistance, arrested one suspect, but demonstrations continued, including a half-day road blockade that paralyzed traffic on major Khagrachhari routes.

Amid the heightened tension, three people were killed in clashes in Guimara on September 28. The district administration has since formed a five-member probe committee to investigate the incident.

Protesters under the banner of ‘Jumma Chhatra-Janata’ suspended their blockade until October 5 following an eight-point assurance from the authorities and ahead of Durga Puja celebrations. Officials said Section 144 restrictions would be lifted gradually once the situation fully calms.

Normalcy has since begun to return to Khagrachhari.