Govt begins repairs of vandalised Hindu homes in Rangpur’s Gangachara

NN Online:
The local administration has begun repairing homes and structures belonging to Hindu families in Gangachara upazila of Rangpur, which were damaged in a mob attack last Saturday. The violence was reportedly triggered by a Facebook post allegedly defaming the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by a youth from the minority community.

According to an initial police report submitted to court on Wednesday, the attackers caused damage estimated at Tk 16 lakh. The report cited the looting of cash, gold ornaments, livestock, and other valuables worth approximately Tk 11 lakh, along with structural damage to homes estimated at Tk 5.5 lakh.

Gangachara Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Al Imran, who is also the investigation officer in the case, said a complete assessment report is still being prepared and will take more time.

Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur Mohammad Robiul Faisal said the district administration has already carried out emergency repairs. “We’ve repaired houses and furniture, installed 20 clay stoves and four tube wells, and distributed dry food and household items. More aid will be given once additional allocations are received,” he said.

The incident took place on July 26 when a mob of around 1,200 unidentified individuals attacked 12 homes in the Aldatpur Chhayani area following the viral spread of a Facebook post alleged to be blasphemous. A total of 22 families were affected, according to official data.

Police swiftly detained the youth accused of making the post. He has been booked under the Cyber Security Act, and investigations are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Rabindranath Roy, a local resident, filed a case with Gangachara Police Station on Tuesday in connection with the attack.

In response, law enforcement agencies, including police and army personnel, launched joint raids across Kishoreganj upazila in neighbouring Nilphamari district. Five suspects were arrested on Tuesday night and later sent to jail following a court appearance on Wednesday. The court granted a two-day remand for interrogation on Thursday.

The administration has vowed to ensure justice and security for affected families while continuing relief and rehabilitation efforts.