PABNA, June 14, (V7N) – The house and shop of an accused have been vandalized and set on fire in Ataikula over allegations of molesting a schoolgirl. On Sunday morning, students, teachers, and local residents formed a human chain at Ariadangi Bazar under Ataikula Police Station to protest the incident, demanding the immediate arrest and strict punishment of the accused.
After the human chain, the agitated crowd vandalized the grocery shop of accused Kashem Sheikh and another tea shop in Ariyadangi Bazar. Later, the accused's house was attacked, vandalized, and set on fire. The houses of some of his relatives and neighbors were also vandalized. Various goods in the house and shop were burned. Panic spread in the area, but law enforcement officers quickly reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
According to teachers and students, on Thursday at 1 pm, a seventh-grade student of Ariadangi High School was returning home when local straw merchant Kashem Sheikh grabbed her by the arm and pulled her. The next day, the student's mother filed a case with Ataikula Police Station accusing Kashem Sheikh. The accused is the son of Shahidul Islam of Ariyadangi village.
Local resident Md. Aliullah said the accused has been identified as a scoundrel and drug dealer of Ward No. 7, demanding a fair investigation and trial. Afazul Islam, acting principal of Ariadangi High School, said teachers, students, and locals formed a human chain demanding a fair trial for the incident involving their student.
Ataikula Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mojibar Rahman confirmed that after the human chain, the accused's house and shop were attacked and set on fire. Additional police have been deployed in the area, and the situation is currently under control. The accused is currently absconding, and an operation is underway to arrest him.
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