A petrol bomb was hurled at a Hindu puja pavilion in Tanti Bazar, Old Dhaka, on Friday evening, sparking panic and injuring five individuals in a subsequent stabbing incident. The attack, which occurred around 7:00 PM, has raised concerns over communal tensions and security during religious festivities in the area.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of young men targeted the puja pavilion from a nearby alley, throwing a glass bottle filled with petrol. Although the bottle ignited a small fire, it did not explode, and no casualties were reported from the blast itself. However, when volunteers attempted to apprehend the attackers, they were met with violence. The assailants reportedly used knives to stab at least five people before fleeing the scene.
The injured individuals have been identified as Dipto De (26), Jhantu Dhar (50), Khokon Dhar (40), Sagar Ghosh (26), and Md. Romiz Uddin (30). All five victims are currently receiving treatment at Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital. Authorities have confirmed that their conditions are stable and out of danger.
Law enforcement officials swiftly responded to the incident. Additional Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Police (DB), Rezaul Karim Mallik, arrived at the scene to oversee the investigation. Speaking to reporters, Mallik stated that the attack appeared to be linked to a prior robbery incident. Three suspects have been detained for questioning, and police are working to uncover further details.
Jasim Uddin, Deputy Commissioner of the Lalbagh Division, revealed that a piece of gold jewelry was recovered from one of the detained individuals. The suspects have been identified as Akash (23) from Gaibandha, Md. Hridoy (23) from Patuakhali, and Md. Jibon (19) from Noakhali. They are currently in custody at Kotwali Police Station.
However, Vijay Shah, General Secretary of the Tanti Bazar Puja Celebration Committee, contested the police’s initial assessment. Shah asserted that the petrol bomb attack and the robbery were separate incidents, emphasizing that the attack on the puja pavilion was a deliberate act of sabotage.
The puja pavilion, located near the main road of Tanti Bazar, remained under heavy security following the incident. By 10:00 PM, a large crowd had gathered at the site, with police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel stationed to maintain order. Local residents recounted the chaotic moments following the attack, describing how panic spread as people scrambled for safety.
CCTV footage from the area has provided crucial evidence. The footage shows three young men gathering in an alley near the pavilion, engaged in conversation before moving closer to the site to carry out the attack. The video has been handed over to investigators for further analysis.
Volunteers and security personnel deployed by the puja celebration committee were present at the pavilion during the attack. One volunteer, Joy Shah, recounted the events, stating that the attackers attempted to flee after throwing the petrol bomb. When volunteers tried to stop them, the assailants resorted to stabbing, injuring four volunteers and one bystander.
The incident has sparked outrage and concern among local communities, with calls for increased security during religious events.
Date: October 12, 2024 [1]
