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At least 15 people, including five police personnel, were injured after a mob attacked Agailjhara Police Station in Barishal on Thursday following rumours that a detained theft suspect had died in custody.
Police said Riyaz Fakir, an accused in several cases, was arrested on Wednesday evening in connection with a theft case. On Thursday afternoon, rumours of his death spread in the area, prompting more than 100 relatives and local residents to march to the police station. The protest later turned violent after an altercation with police.
According to CCTV footage at the police station, Riyaz entered the lock-up wearing a green T-shirt and allegedly struck his own head against the iron gate before collapsing unconscious.
Police said he was admitted to the Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex around 11pm on Wednesday and was later transferred to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital after failing to regain consciousness.
The rumour of his death sparked public anger, leading protesters to storm the police station and assault the duty officer, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) A Halim.
Police later used batons to disperse the crowd. Among the injured were Riyaz’s mother Nasrin Begum, his sister Sharmin Akter and several others. Five police personnel, including ASI Halim, also sustained injuries. The injured duty officer was admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, while two civilians were taken to the Upazila Health Complex.
Additional police have been deployed to the area to maintain law and order.
Riyaz’s mother alleged that police had detained and assaulted her son without justification.
Officer-in-Charge Md Masud Khan denied the allegation, saying Riyaz had injured himself inside the lock-up and that the attack on the police station was pre-planned. He added that the mob vandalised the station and assaulted police officers, while at least 10 protesters were injured during the police baton charge.
Meanwhile, an intern doctor at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital confirmed that Riyaz is alive and receiving treatment. He said Riyaz has a head injury but no major injuries.
