Fifteen Injured in Laxmipur Police-Community Clash

A violent confrontation erupted in Raipur, Laxmipur, on Thursday evening after the attempted recovery of a stolen battery-powered auto-rickshaw, leaving at least fifteen people injured, including four police officers. The incident also triggered a four-hour blockade of the Laxmipur–Chandpur road, causing major disruption to local traffic.

Incident Overview

According to police and local sources, the sequence of events began on Thursday evening in Sonapur Union’s Ward 1. Rickshaw driver Shah Alam had parked his battery-operated vehicle on the roadside while he went for Iftar. Within minutes, the rickshaw was stolen. Shah Alam, with the assistance of local residents, managed to apprehend four suspects. Although the rickshaw was eventually recovered, the thieves had already sold the battery elsewhere.

Tensions escalated when locals reportedly took the suspects to their homes and demanded the return of the battery, reportedly using physical force in the process. Police were called to the scene around 8:30 pm via the national emergency service 999, intending to take the suspects into custody. However, residents refused to release them until the battery was recovered, leading to clashes between the two sides.

At least fifteen individuals were injured during the confrontation, including police officers Motaleeb, Shawkat, Manjur, and Zahid from Raipur Police Station. The injured were admitted to Raipur Upazila Health Complex for treatment.

Roadblock and Public Disruption

In protest, residents blocked the Laxmipur–Chandpur regional road at Chaitailya Dighi Ghat, throwing bricks, bamboo, and tree branches, and setting fire to debris. The blockade lasted from 9:00 pm until 1:00 am, causing severe traffic congestion over a two-kilometre stretch, affecting hundreds of vehicles and inconveniencing commuters.

Rickshaw driver Shah Alam said, “We detained the thieves to recover the battery. When the police attempted to take them away, they attacked us. At least 15–16 people were injured in the scuffle.”

Police Statement

Additional Superintendent of Police (Raipur Circle) Jaminul Haque stated that the mobile police team arrived promptly after the 999 call. While attempting to take the four suspects to the police station, residents threw bricks at officers, resulting in injuries to four police personnel. “The suspects are now in police custody. Legal action will follow for both the theft case and injuries sustained by officers. The army and additional police units helped lift the blockade, and the situation is now under control,” he added.

The incident highlights the growing tension in the area over property crimes and the challenges faced by local authorities in managing civil unrest.