Court orders two-day remand for 11 over Uttara shopping mall vandalism
A Dhaka court has placed eleven individuals on a two-day police remand in connection with the attack, vandalism, and looting at the Uttara Square Shopping Mall on Sonargaon Janapath Road in Uttara Sector-13.
Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Kamal Uddin issued the order today following a hearing on the police's remand application.
Those remanded are Monir Alam, Mojibur Rahman, Hridoy, Manjurul, Mohabbat Ali, Shah Poran, Shakil, Rashidul Islam, Saju, Liton, and Jihad.
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Earlier, investigation officer Sub-Inspector Suman Mia of Uttara West Police Station presented the suspects in court and applied for a seven-day remand for each. Lawyers representing the accused requested cancellation of the remand and a bail hearing, which the prosecution opposed. After hearing both sides, the court approved a two-day remand for each suspect, Shamim, Deputy Inspector of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Prosecution Division, confirmed.
The remand petition stated that a seven-day remand was necessary to identify the main instigators, recover stolen goods worth Tk15 lakh, and apprehend other unknown suspects involved in the incident.
The police arrested the suspects on Monday night on suspicion of their involvement.
According to the case statement, the incident began around 9:30 pm when a dispute broke out between a rickshaw driver and an on-duty security guard in front of the complex. The rickshaw driver and 15-20 unidentified accomplices attacked the security guard and staff, causing serious injuries.
Following the initial clash, rumours spread, and around 600-700 people armed with sticks and iron rods attacked the complex, smashing glass on the ground and first floors, said the case statement.
Police and army personnel arrived to control the situation. After a prolonged confrontation, the police used sound grenades and tear gas to regain control and arrested 11 suspects.
The statement further mentioned that the suspects looted Tk10 lakh worth of goods from Khajana Varieties Store and Tk5 lakh worth of jewelry from KZ Imitation Jewelry, while the attack caused an estimated Tk9 crore in damages.
Later, the case was filed by the complex's electrician Ariful Islam with the Uttara West Police Station.
