Police in Nalchity, Jhalakathi, have arrested seven people in connection with an attack on law enforcement officers and the forcible rescue of a local Chhatra League leader who was being detained in handcuffs.
The incident took place on Sunday (8 November) in the Old Ferry Ghat area of Dapdapia Union, where police had gone to arrest Siraj Molla, the union Chhatra League president and a member of the Union Parishad. Several police officers, including Nalchity Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mohammad Touhiduzzaman Sohag, were injured during the confrontation.
Police said the arrests were made following raids conducted from Sunday afternoon until late at night. Those detained are Rakib Mridha, 25, Rubel Mridha, 30, Milton Howlader, 20, Selina Begum, 55, Sohel Howlader, 27, Rashed Mridha and Shahidul Islam, 28.
According to police sources, officers launched an operation after receiving information that a person wanted in several cases under arrest warrants was staying in the area. The operation was led by OC Touhiduzzaman Sohag.
During the raid, officers detained Siraj Molla. Police placed him in handcuffs and attempted to take him into custody. However, members of his family and associates allegedly intervened and attacked the officers, triggering a physical confrontation.
The situation quickly escalated. Several police personnel, including the officer-in-charge, sustained injuries as the attackers reportedly engaged in a scuffle with the officers. According to the police account, around 100 people took part in the attack and vandalised a government vehicle belonging to the police.
Amid the chaos, the attackers allegedly managed to free Siraj Molla from police custody while he was still wearing handcuffs. He subsequently fled the area.
The incident caused tension around the Old Ferry Ghat and neighbouring areas. Additional police personnel were deployed to prevent further unrest and bring the situation under control.
Later that afternoon, police conducted raids at several houses across Dapdapia Union, including Siraj Molla’s residence. The operation continued into the night, resulting in the arrest of seven people suspected of involvement in the attack and the rescue of the detainee.
Following the incident, Nalchity Police Station filed a case naming 40 individuals as accused. Another 60 to 70 unidentified people were also included in the complaint. The police filed the case as the complainant.
Speaking about the operation, OC Mohammad Touhiduzzaman Sohag said police were conducting extensive raids at different locations to apprehend those involved in the incident. Efforts were also under way to recapture Siraj Molla, who escaped after being taken away from police custody.
He added that the arrested individuals would be produced before a court.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of law enforcement personnel during arrest operations, particularly when suspects are confronted by groups attempting to obstruct police action. The investigation is expected to establish the individual roles of those accused and identify others who may have participated in the attack.
