For the past six days, the Santals’ neighborhood in Baghsara village of Paba upazila, Rajshahi, has remained almost deserted. Following two consecutive attacks—one in the afternoon and another in the evening of Wednesday, July 30—11 out of 12 indigenous families have fled their homes. Only one elderly woman, unable to move due to illness, has remained. When visited on the ground, vandalized houses were found littered with scattered belongings—some with rotting food, others with mosquito nets still hanging over beds, and even dogs lying inside.
Background and Settlement History
Around five years ago, with the permission of three local councilors, seven Santal families, four Dhanga (Oraon) families, and one Ravidash family settled along the embankment of the Water Development Board (WDB) by the Barnoi River. Just beyond the embankment lies the land of local BNP activist Md. Bablu. Tensions reportedly existed for years, as Bablu was displeased with indigenous families living directly in front of his land, even though the land belongs to the WDB and is therefore public property.
Origin of the Incident
According to local accounts, the dispute began on the morning of the incident when an altercation broke out between Bablu and residents of the Santal neighborhood. Allegations suggest Bablu verbally abused a woman from the community. When others intervened to stop him, the situation escalated, and some young men struck Bablu. Bablu’s wife, Dolly Begum, claimed that earlier that morning several residents were openly consuming homemade liquor outside their homes. Bablu asked them not to drink in public, prompting a confrontation during which a woman grabbed his shirt collar, and he was assaulted.
Two-Phase Attack
Eyewitnesses and locals report that the first attack took place in the afternoon, followed by another just before evening. Shyamal Murmu, the headman of the Santal neighborhood, alleged that in the first attack Bablu and his associates assaulted Hari Murmu, his wife, and daughter. After police visited the area and instructed everyone to remain calm, the attackers returned for a second assault. According to Shyamal, the attackers were armed with sharp weapons, including machetes, spears, and knives. He claims that after the assaults, the entire community fled in fear, leaving all belongings behind. Cash, domestic pigeons, and other possessions were allegedly looted.
Scene of Empty Homes
When visited six days later, several homes showed clear signs of damage. Some were locked, while others stood open but empty. In certain homes, mosquito nets remained hanging over beds, pots of rice had spoiled on the floor, and cooking areas were scattered with onions and potatoes. In one house, two dogs were found lying on the bed. Only in the home of Himen Ravidash was someone found—his mother-in-law, Amala Dasi. She had arrived from Niamatpur, Naogaon, 15 days earlier for medical treatment and could not leave due to mobility issues.
Statement from the Accused
Bablu’s wife, Dolly Begum, claimed that the indigenous families living in front of their land cause constant trouble and prevent crops from growing. She alleged that her husband was assaulted after he told them not to drink liquor in public. She maintained that although Bablu later returned with people, no one was harmed, and the residents fled on their own out of fear. She further claimed that the indigenous families destroyed their own houses.
Administrative Action
Paba Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Arafat Aman Aziz stated that a written complaint had been received from the Santals, and instructions were given to the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Paba Police Station to take necessary action. OC Monirul Islam confirmed that both sides had lodged complaints. The injured were advised to seek medical care and file formal cases, but no cases have yet been filed. Police are investigating and will take action if anyone’s involvement is confirmed.
Current Situation
The Santal neighborhood of Baghsara remains gripped by fear and silence. Of the 12 houses, 11 stand empty, marked by evidence of vandalism and looting. Indigenous residents say they cannot return due to safety concerns. While the accused deny all allegations, the affected families claim the attacks have cost them their livelihoods, possessions, and shelter. Until the administrative investigation is complete, there is no sign that normalcy will return to the area.
Publication Date: 05 August, 2025
Reports published in various newspapers on this issue: prothomalo, jugantor, ajkerpatrika, ittefaq
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