Tensions intensified after allegations of child rape surfaced, triggering a confrontation between protesters and police.Bakalia turned into a battleground as sporadic clashes, stone-throwing and chases continued into the night.At one stage,
Special Correspondent : A police vehicle has been set on fire in Chattogram City’s Bakalia amid repeated clashes with locals following the arrest of a suspect in a child “rape”, as authorities attempted to move him out of the area.The unrest, which began on Thursday evening, led to a halt in traffic on the Shah Amanat Bridge-Bahaddarhat road.
Tensions intensified after allegations of child rape surfaced, triggering a confrontation between protesters and police.Bakalia turned into a battleground as sporadic clashes, stone-throwing and chases continued into the night.At one stage, a large police truck carrying personnel was set on fire by agitated locals.Despite repeated attempts for around eight hours, police were unable to leave the area with the detained suspect due to a blockade by local residents.By late night, additional police forces were deployed.Around 11pm, the large truck carrying police personnel was torched.
Locals also threw bricks and stones from alleyways, while police responded with tear gas and sound grenades to disperse the crowd.Residents alleged that a man on Abu Zafar Road lured a 3-and-a-half-year-old neighbour and committed rape.Following the incident, locals blocked the area and demanded that the suspect be handed over to them.Police said they were trying to remove the detained person and take him to the police station amid resistance.
Assistant Commissioner (Public Relations) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police Amirul Islam told that locals had set fire to a police vehicle and several officers were injured during the clashes.Around 12:30am, Bakalia Police chief Md Solaiman told reporters that the situation had been brought under control.
Meanwhile, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain visited the hospital where the victim is being treated at the One-Stop Crisis Centre.He checked on the child’s condition, spoke with doctors, and assured the family of full medical support.He also directed authorities to ensure all necessary treatment for the victim.
