Tensions erupted in Chattogram’s Baklia area on Thursday afternoon after an angry mob protested the attempted rape of a four-year-old child. The situation escalated when residents surrounded a police vehicle, demanding the suspect be handed over to them for mob justice.
In an effort to disperse the crowd, police fired warning shots, leaving four people injured. Among the casualties were two journalists, Mamun Abdullah and Nobel Hasan, who were struck in the waist and limbs while broadcasting the clash live on Facebook. Both were initially taken to Chattogram General Hospital and later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
According to police and local sources, an employee of a decoration shop in the Chairman Ghata area allegedly lured the young child into his shop. As news of the incident spread, outraged locals took to the streets and blocked the roads.
Police arrived swiftly to arrest the accused. However, as officers attempted to transport the suspect to the station, the agitated crowd blockaded the police vehicle. The standoff continued, with the road remaining blocked until 8:30 pm.
Baklia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Solaiman confirmed the arrest. "We apprehended the suspect immediately after receiving the complaint, and the child has been sent to the hospital for a medical examination. Locals blocked the road during the transfer, but we are working to bring the situation under control," he said.
