Section 144 has been imposed in Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila and municipality as communal tensions erupted Tuesday noon following the mob lynching of a Bengali teacher over the teacher’s alleged role in raping an indigenous woman.

Khagrachhari Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sujan Chandra Rai confirmed the imposition of Section 144, in a conversation with journalists.

About two weeks ago a similar mob killing of a Bangalee youth on allegation of stealing led to communal tensions in Khagrachhari Sadar, which later spread to Rangamgati. Though indigenous people were alleged over the mob killing incident, the victim’s family filed a case against three local Awami League leaders.

After Tuesday’s lynching incident, Bengalis and indigenous people brought out repeated processions. Some shops were torched and a house was set ablaze as tensions kept rising. UNO Sujan as well as senior police officers, including Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdul Baten Mridha, suffered violence when trying to pacify the agitating groups.

A video of the lynching incident shows a group of 10-15 indigenous youths indiscriminately beating Abul Hasnat Muhammad Sohel Rana, the chief instructor for “building construction and safety studies” at Khagrachhari Technical School and College.

Police said some of their personnel tried to intervene but failed. The teacher died on his way to the Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital, the hospital’s resident doctor told reporters.

In February 2021, Sohel Rana was imprisoned in a case filed over trying to rape an indigenous student. Later, the girl confessed before the court that an indigenous organisation pressurised her to file the false lawsuit.

Sohel Rana was released in the case three months ago and rejoined his post.

However, many indigenous students have been protesting against his reappointment. On Tuesday, the protests got renewed momentum as fresh allegations rose of Sohel Rana abusing yet another indigenous female student.

Later, Sohel Rana was confined to the college principal’s office for his safety. But, a group managed to break in and beat up their teacher mercilessly.