A violent incident unfolded in Lalmonirhat on Tuesday when an agitated crowd attacked government vehicles and police personnel in an attempt to snatch a suspect linked to a child murder case, demanding what they described as “justice” on the spot.
According to district officials, at least seven government vehicles were vandalised during the confrontation, while around 30 people, including the district police superintendent and an officer-in-charge, were injured. Vehicles belonging to the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police, and upazila nirbahi officer were also targeted in the attack.
Lalmonirhat Deputy Commissioner Rashedul Haque Pradhan and Police Superintendent Asaduzzaman Asad confirmed that the unrest took place in Falimari Village under Bholabari Union of Aditmari Upazila.
Police said Officer-in-Charge of Aditmari Police Station Nazmul Haque was withdrawn in an effort to help ease tensions. Authorities also said legal action would be initiated against those involved in obstructing official duties.
The unrest followed the discovery of the body of a seven-year-old girl Nandini Kanti Rai, whose disappearance had been reported a day earlier. Her body was later found buried in a sack inside a cornfield near her home after villagers noticed disturbed soil.
Following suspicion raised by locals, a young man identified as Bidhan Chandra Rai, 22 - believed to be a relative of the victim -came under scrutiny. He was later confined by villagers inside his house along with his father after suspicion grew.
Police initially reached the scene and took both individuals into custody, but tensions escalated as the crowd demanded immediate action and resisted police evacuation efforts. A larger force, including personnel from multiple police stations, the Detective Branch, Border Guard Bangladesh, and fire service units, was deployed to rescue the trapped officers and control the situation.
After several hours of standoff, police used sound grenades to disperse the crowd. However, as the convoy withdrew, protesters again attacked government vehicles with bricks and sticks, causing significant damage before the situation gradually calmed.
