2 arrested over mob attacks on shrines in Cumilla
They were later sent to jail through a court order, police said.
Police today (21 September) arrested two people in connection with mob attacks, vandalism, and arson at four shrines in Cumilla's Homna upazila, following allegations of blasphemy on social media.
The arrestees have been identified as Md Ibrahim, 24, and Md Shahidullah, 33. Both are residents of the upazila's Asadpur village.
"They were picked up from their homes today and later sent to jail through a court order," Homna Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Mir Hossain, the investigation officer of the case, told The Business Standard.
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The SI also said, "The two were directly involved in the attacks. We will seek their remand for further interrogation. Efforts are underway to identify and arrest others involved in the incident."
Following the violence, additional police have been deployed in the area, and security patrols around shrines have been intensified. The administration said the situation is currently calm.
Violence erupted on 18 September over local resident Mohsin's alleged derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on social media.
An enraged crowd vandalised and set fire to the shrine of Mohsin's grandfather, Kafil Shah, as well as the family home. Three other shrines in the area were also damaged.
Fire service personnel later arrived to control the blaze.
According to witnesses, in addition to Kafil Shah's shrine, the mob also attacked the shrines of Kalu Shah, Hawali Shah (Babul) and Abdu Shah.
Police, army personnel, and local administrators rushed to the scene, with Superintendent of Police Nazir Ahmed Khan, Senior ASP (Homna Circle) Abdul Karim, ASP (Daudkandi Circle) Md Faisal Tanvir and UNO Khemalika Chakma speaking to locals and urging them not to take the law into their own hands.
That night, Homna Police Station Sub-Inspector Tapas Kumar filed a case in connection with the incident.
Earlier, on 17 September, Mohsin, son of Alek Shah of Asadpur union, allegedly made derogatory remarks about Prophet (PBUH) on social media, raising a furore.
Police arrested him that day and sent him to Cumilla District Jail through a court order.
Additionally, Bangladesh Islami Jubo Sena's Homna unit organisational secretary, Md Shariful Islam, filed a case against Mohsin at Homna Police Station.
