Mob burns down 20 Hindu homes in Rangpur
More than 20 houses of Hindus were burned down by a mob in Rangpur following rumour that a youth from the community posted a Facebook status hurting religious sentiment of Muslims.
The incident took place in Pirganj upazila's Karimganj on Sunday night.
"Tension erupted there after a Hindu youth allegedly posted an offensive status on Facebook. Police secured his home after the post went viral. However, the attackers vented their anger on neighbours and burned down 20 houses," Additional Police Superintendent Kamruzzaman told media.
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"No one was injured during the attack. The situation is under control now," Md Khazimuddin, sub-inspector and duty officer of Pirganj police station, told The Business Standard.
Rangpur Superintendent of Police Biplob Kumar Sarkar said police fired rubber bullets there to control the incident.
The situation came under control at 1 am Monday. Additional BGB, RAB and police were deployed. Police have arrested 20 people in connection with the incident, said the SP.
Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Asib Ahsan said several initiatives have been taken including rehabilitation of the victim families.
Earlier on 13 October, a reported demeaning of the holy Quran stoked communal tensions in Cumilla. The incident sparked a storm on social media as temples and puja celebrations came under attack in several districts.
