A violent extortion attempt in Lakshmipur town ended with attackers pouring petrol over a merchant and attempting to set his shop ablaze, leaving three individuals injured and sparking widespread outrage among local traders. CCTV footage capturing the terrifying assault has circulated widely on social media platforms, intensifying calls for swift law enforcement intervention.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday afternoon along Kalibazar Road, adjacent to Uttor Temuhani in Lakshmipur town. The primary accused, Delowar Hossain—son of the late Dhonu Miah—accompanied by his two younger brothers, Shakil and Munna, allegedly launched the targeted assault after local shopkeepers refused to comply with their daily financial demands.
According to affected merchants, Delowar had been routinely demanding daily extortion payments of 500 taka from local proprietors, including Jagadish, a salon operator, and Krishna Pal, a mobile phone technician. When Krishna Pal declined to hand over the demanded cash, Delowar and his brothers physically assaulted him inside his workshop, splashed petrol across the premises, and doused a nearby merchant over the head and body in a direct attempt to ignite a fire.
When neighbouring shopkeeper Shahed Alam and his employee Sohag intervened to protect Krishna Pal, the assailants turned on them with sharp domestic weapons. In the ensuing clash, Shahed Alam, Sohag, and another shop worker named Rakib sustained various physical injuries. Surrounding shopkeepers quickly rallied to aid the victims and contacted the national emergency helpline 999, prompting police officers to respond and restore order. The three injured men received emergency medical treatment at Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.
The violent outburst has generated severe alarm throughout the commercial precinct. Abul Kalam Azad, General Secretary of the Lakshmipur Merchants’ Association, noted that the marketplace had never witnessed such a reckless crime, adding that shop owners are experiencing a pervasive sense of insecurity. He urged the authorities to immediately arrest those involved to restore confidence among local business owners.
Inspector (Investigation) Md Sharifur Rahman of Lakshmipur Sadar Police Station confirmed that a criminal case naming the three brothers has been formally registered and forwarded to the court. Describing the act of dousing an individual in petrol as a life-threatening crime, Inspector Rahman assured the public that dedicated police units are actively pursuing the suspects, who remain at large as of Friday afternoon.
