Police have arrested two more people in connection with the murder of Rasel Molla, 27, and the large-scale vandalism at the shrine of Nurul Haque, widely known as "Nural Pagla", in Rajbari's Goalanda upazila.
The arrestees are Shanto Kazi, 19, of Kazi Para in ward-7 of Goalanda municipality, and Mohammad Anisur Rahman, 30, of Ghotrokanda village in Faridpur's Saltha upazila. Shanto was detained from his neighbourhood around 10:15pm on Tuesday, while Anisur was picked up from the Jamtola Hat area of Uzanchar union an hour later.
"A total of 20 people have now been held in the two cases so far. The accused are being identified through video footage, and the latest arrestees will be produced before the court," said Md Sharif Al Rajib, additional superintendent of police (Crime and Ops) in Rajbari.
On Monday night, Rasel's father, Azad Molla, a former union parishad member, filed a case with Goalanda Ghat Police Station against 3,500-4,000 unidentified people, accusing them of murder, arson, looting, vandalism, and assault during Friday's attack on the shrine.
The case statement said Rasel and some others were inside the shrine after Juma prayers when a protest rally, organised under the banner of "Imaan-Aqida Rokkha Committee", marched from Goalanda Bazar Ansar Club and stormed the shrine around 3:00pm. At least 15-20 attackers scaled the wall and hacked Rasel, his younger brother Sajjad, and niece Rahela Akhter near the main gate. Around 50 others were also beaten and injured.
Locals rescued the wounded and took them to Goalanda Upazila Health Complex, where Rasel was again attacked. He was later referred to Faridpur Medical College Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The attackers allegedly looted Tk 40 lakh in donations, Tk 50 lakh worth of gold ornaments, and valuables worth Tk 55 lakh, causing damages totalling Tk 1.5 crore.
In a separate case filed by police over the attack on law enforcers and vandalism of vehicles, 16 others have so far been arrested.
FP/MI
No legal barrier for Tarique to become voter: EC Masud
Tarique will build truly democratic state: Fakhrul
Security tightened at Zia Udyan, Savar National Memorial ahead of Tarique’s visit
At least four dead as launches collide on Meghna river in Chandpur
One killed in mob beating over extortion allegation in Rajbari
Zaima Rahman pledges to engage with people to help rebuild Bangladesh
Rumeen Farhana collects nomination paper for Brahmanbaria-2
Tarique Rahman to leave London this evening, BNP ready for grand reception
Gold price hits new record at Tk 222,082 per bhori
Dhaka airport bans visitors ahead of Tarique Rahman’s return
