Alleged Assault Sparks Rural Outcry

Tensions flared in the Roumari upazila of Kurigram district on Thursday morning after a police driver was accused of kicking several farmers at a local fuel station, triggering public anger and a brief chase that forced him to flee the scene.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident took place at the Brahmaputra Filling Station, where the distribution of petrol and diesel began around 9:00 am. A large number of farmers had gathered and were standing in a queue to purchase fuel, reportedly required for irrigation and agricultural activities during the ongoing season.

The situation allegedly escalated when a driver attached to Roumari Police Station, identified as Constable Md. Gaffar Ali, became involved in an altercation with waiting farmers. Witnesses claim that, without clear provocation, he kicked at least three farmers and used abusive language towards them. The sudden confrontation quickly drew the attention of other customers and local residents, who reacted strongly to the alleged misconduct.

One local resident, Nurul Amin, reportedly attempted to intervene and protest against the behaviour. Journalists who arrived at the scene to gather information also alleged that they were subjected to discourteous conduct by the police official.

As the situation intensified, angered members of the public began chasing the officer. In an attempt to escape, he is said to have scaled a boundary wall and fled the premises. The incident sparked immediate outrage among farmers and bystanders, temporarily disrupting normal fuel distribution at the station.

Local authorities have acknowledged awareness of the situation. The Officer-in-Charge of Roumari Police Station stated that the matter has been communicated to higher authorities and that appropriate action would be taken if instructed. Meanwhile, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer indicated that he had not yet received a formal complaint but was looking into the incident.

The episode has raised renewed concerns over public conduct by law enforcement personnel in rural service settings, particularly in contexts involving essential commodities such as fuel during peak agricultural demand.

Summary of the Incident

Authorities are expected to review the incident as public attention continues to grow over the conduct of law enforcement personnel in the area.