12 arrested in case over mob attack on shopping complex at Uttara

Police have arrested at least 12 people for their alleged role in forming a mob and vandalising a shopping complex in Uttara, Dhaka on Sunday night.

The incident took place at Square Shopping Mall on Sonargaon Janapath road, Uttara-13 in the capital around 11pm on Sunday.

A group of rickshaw pullers launched the attack after spreading rumours that the market’s security personnel had forced a rickshaw puller inside the facility, and beat him to death there, read the statement of the case filed by police.

However, when questioned afterwards, the rickshaw pullers failed to identify their “deceased compatriot,” police officers told reporters.

During the agitation, the rickshaw pullers also set fire on the road in front of the market. Police and other law enforcement agencies repeatedly tried to contain the situation but struggled to gain advantage.

At one point, BNP leader and Dhaka-18 lawmaker SM Jahangir Hossain reached the spot and tried to pacify the rickshaw pullers.

Uttara West Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kazi Md Rafiq Ahmed said a brawl erupted between the shopping mall’s security and rickshaw puller as he attempted to park his vehicle next to the commercial building.

CCTV footage showed that the rickshaw puller left the site after the fight, the officer confirmed.