Uzzal Hossain, Pangsha: A series of beatings have taken place at the Jalilpara Eidgah ground in Pangsha upazila of Rajbari over a microphone snatching incident while delivering a speech before Eid prayers. At least five people were injured in the incident. The injured have been treated at a local hospital. The incident has created a sensation in the area.
The injured are – Akhtar Mandal (40), son of the deceased Baher Mandal of Jalilpara village in Babupara union of the upazila, Antar Khan (20), son of Ikram Khan, Azad Mandal (55), son of the deceased Momin Mandal, Anwar Khan (25), son of Abbas Khan, and Wahed Ali, son of Rostam Master.
Talking to local sources and eyewitnesses, it was learned that there had been a long-standing disagreement between the president and vice-president of the Jalilpara Eidgah committee over giving a speech at the Eidgah ground. On the day of Eid, the dispute took a public turn.
It is alleged that before the Eid prayers, when Hasibul Rahman (Sachchu), the vice-president of the Eidgah Committee and the general secretary of Jashai Union BNP, started giving a speech, some worshippers objected and tried to leave the place. At that time, a person named Wahed Mandal snatched the microphone from his hand. It is alleged that Roni Khandaker, Sachchu’s son, beat Wahed and vandalized his motorcycle in the Notunpara area of Durgapur the next day, around 9 pm.
Later, locals rescued the injured Wahed Ali and admitted him to the Pangsha Upazila Health Complex. Upon receiving the news, his relatives went to the hospital to visit him. The victims alleged that when they reached in front of Jalilpara Government Primary School on their way back home from the hospital and police station, Roni Khandaker, Shamsul Khandaker, Abdul Alim, Jihad, Ranju Khandaker and some others ambushed them.
Victim Wahed Ali said, “When Hasibul Rahman Sacchu went to deliver a speech before Eid prayers, many worshippers started leaving. Then I took the microphone and asked everyone to leave peacefully. As a result, I was attacked the next day and my motorcycle was vandalized.”
Injured Antar Khan said, “We went to the hospital to see my uncle after receiving the news of his beating. Later, while returning home from the police station, we were attacked in front of Jalilpara School. I was injured and received treatment in the hospital.”
Anwar Khan alleged, “During the attack, Roni Khandaker pointed a pistol at me and threatened me. Later, his associates beat me and injured me.”
However, Hasibul Rahman (Sacchu) denied the allegations and said, “When I went to deliver a speech before Eid prayers, some youths created chaos and snatched the microphone from my hand. After that, I did not give any more speeches. The allegations against my son are completely false and baseless.”
When an attempt was made to contact accused Roni Khandaker on his mobile phone, his number was found switched off.
Although attempts were made to contact Pangsha Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Sheikh Moinul Islam in this regard, he did not receive the call. Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Abdul Gani said that both parties have filed complaints with the police station regarding the fight. A case has been registered based on the complaint and the operation to arrest the accused is ongoing.
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