Police have arrested 22 people over the murder of five people of the same family, including a village headman, in Bandarban’s Ruma Upazila.
They were arrested following a special operation late on Friday, said Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mohammad Abul Qasim Chowdhury.
The arrestees are Ruitu Mro, 50, Yingchang Mro, 26, Mangjong Mro, 28, Krangpong Mro, 38, Pasing Mro, 22, Krangtan Mro, 35, Kratpong Singchang Mro, 39, Ringyong Mro, 35, Ijang Mro, 27, Thanlok Mro, 35, Pale Mro, 25, Klangsai Mro, 20, Menpre Mro, 20, Khang Pre Mro, Kaing Pre Mro, 18, Menrao Mro, 22, Menoya Mro, 26, Khantan Mro, 41, Menyong Mro, 24, Changrao Mro, 31, Thongwai Mro, 24, Menpong Mro, 37.
They were sent to the district court on Saturday morning, said ASP Chowdhury.
On Thursday, a group of agitated villagers went to village headman Lockrui Mro to confront his family regarding their share in an amulet business which soon turned into a clash, said Galenga UP Chairman Menrat Mro.
At one point, the villagers killed the headman and four of his sons.
Locals alleged that the headman’s family had secretly been performing black magic on the villagers.
The villagers had dumped the bodies in a hill stream after the killing, said Bandarban Superintendent of Police Jerin Akhter.
Ruma police recovered the bodies and brought them to the police station on Friday afternoon.
Hypoy Mro, wife of deceased Lengi Mro, filed a case with the police alleging premeditated murder.