An unruly mob attacked a police van to lynch the rape accused being detained in the vehicle, subsequently injuring seven policemen, including the officer-in-charge for investigation, at the Khilkhet bazar in the capital on Tuesday.

Khilkhet Police Station Assistant Sub-Inspector Ismail Hossain confirmed the violent incident. Later, additional police and army troops were deployed to prevent an escalation.

The lynched youth is in serious condition and has been transferred to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital from Kurmitola General Hospital.

Past midnight on Tuesday, police learnt of a mob beating a youth on allegations of raping a minor girl at Maddya Bazar area of Khilkhet.

Police went to the spot, rescued the youth and put him in their van. While driving to the Khilkhet Police Station, another group of people suddenly attacked the van at the Khilkhet bazar area.

They brought down the youth from the vehicle and started beating him again. At one point, the mob attacked the police. At least, five policemen were rescued and rushed to the hospital. The mob kept 7-8 other policemen hostage. Reinforcements brought the situation under control.