Tense calm grips Ctg after overnight clashes over alleged child rape attempt

A tense atmosphere prevailed in Chattogram this morning (22 May) after overnight clashes between police and locals following the alleged attempted rape of a four-year-old child in the Chairmen Ghat area in Bakalia.

Residents also remained angry over the incident, as a visit to the Abu Zafar Road area revealed the neighbourhood was tense and quiet.

The incident has triggered widespread anger and insecurity among locals. 

Speaking at the scene today, resident Md Rubel said, “There was panic throughout the area all night. No one can accept such a barbaric act against such a small child. People came onto the streets out of anger.”

Another resident, Jannatul Ferdous, said, “We are now living in insecurity regarding our children. If there is no swift trial and exemplary punishment, the offenders will escape accountability.”

According to locals, an employee of a local decoration shop allegedly lured a child into the establishment yesterday afternoon and attempted to rape the victim. 

After the incident became known, enraged residents kept the man detained inside a building.

At about 1:30am today, Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP) Deputy Commissioner (South) Hossain Mohammad Kabir Bhuiyan told journalists, “The situation is currently under control. The accused has been taken into police custody.”

He added that legal action will be taken over the attacks and vandalism carried out by the crowd.

Bricks and stones were scattered across the road, while most shops remained closed.

Although public movement was limited, police said surveillance and regular patrols have been intensified to avert any untoward incident.

Police reportedly used sound grenades and tear gas to control yesterday’s violence.

At least 30 people, including journalists, police personnel, and protesters, were injured in the clashes.

Residents are also reportedly living in fear of possible arrests following the incident.

CMP Assistant Commissioner (Media) Md Amirul Rashid told The Business Standard today, “The legal process for filing a case is underway. However, no new individuals have been detained so far. 

“Police patrols and surveillance in the area have been strengthened. Detailed information will be formally disclosed by CMP after the case is filed.”

As of the filing of this report around noon, no case had been filed in connection with the incident.

Clashes continue overnight

The unrest, which began yesterday afternoon, continued intermittently until late at night.

After news of the alleged attempted rape spread, outraged residents surrounded the building where the suspect was hiding. 

Bakalia police and senior officials of the CMP rushed to the scene, rescued the child, and detained the suspect.

However, when police tried to transport the accused, locals blocked the vehicle and demanded mob justice.

At around 10pm, as tensions escalated, police used tear gas shells, baton charges, and sound grenades to disperse the crowd after locals tried to snatch the accused from the police vehicle.

Several journalists became trapped inside a community centre during the unrest, and tensions escalated further after a police officer entered the building, prompting the crowd to vandalise both the ground and first floors.

The trapped journalists and police personnel were later rescued with police assistance. 

Windows of the madrasah building where the accused had earlier been confined were also vandalised.

More than 1,000 police personnel, along with five platoons of RAB and APBn members, were deployed to restore order.

Among the 30 injured in the clashes, reporters Mamun Abdullah and Nobel Hasan, both representing the local daily Chattogram Pratidin, sustained injuries.

They are currently undergoing treatment at Chittagong Medical College Hospital.