Widespread panic has gripped the Aladadpur area of Gangachara in Rangpur following a series of violent attacks and lootings on homes belonging to Hindu families. The violence erupted after a teenage boy was arrested for allegedly posting derogatory content about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on Facebook.
According to police sources, the boy was taken into custody on Saturday night around 8:30 PM following complaints of blasphemous content. Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge of Gangachara Police Station, Al Emran, stated that the minor was charged under the Cyber Security Act and subsequently sent to a juvenile rehabilitation center via court order.
However, shortly after the arrest, tension escalated in the area. Enraged mobs began gathering in front of the boy’s residence, demanding justice. Around 10 PM that night, a second procession reportedly vandalized the home of one of the boy’s relatives. Despite a police and military presence being deployed to contain the situation, fresh attacks were carried out again on Sunday afternoon.
Local accounts suggest that at least 14 houses belonging to Sanatan (Hindu) families were vandalized and looted. Victims allege that household items, livestock, and even documents were taken. One resident, Rabindranath Roy, reported that his wife’s gold jewelry and land documents were stolen during the rampage. His wife, Rohela Rani, expressed fear of further arson attacks and said that most of their belongings have now been sent away for safekeeping.
Others, like Komolokanto Roy, were seen hurriedly evacuating livestock, rice, and other essentials in vans. Many victims, traumatized by the incidents, have fled their homes and taken shelter elsewhere.
Two local schools—Aladadpur Government Primary School and Aladadpur Dimukhi High School—remained closed due to the tension. The headmaster of the primary school, Kali Ranjan Roy, said that 95% of the students are from the Hindu community and none turned up even after the closure notice ended. Most families have left the area in fear of further violence.
Despite the visible military presence around key locations like Khilalganj Bazaar, local Union Parishad member Paresh Chandra Roy stated that threats of fresh processions have emerged again.
No formal case has been filed in connection with the Sunday attacks, and no arrests have been made as of yet. However, law enforcement agencies claim that the situation is under control.
Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mahmud Hasan Mridha confirmed that the Rangpur Superintendent of Police visited the affected site and investigations suggest involvement from residents of the neighboring Magura Union in Kishoreganj upazila. The UNO also stated that the administration has compiled a list of affected families and is working on providing financial and other support to them.
