Eighty individuals have been detained in a joint force operation, after a chaotic situation unfolded in Hazari Goli, under the Kotwali police station of Chittagong, on Tuesday.
When police attempted to retain control, attacks involving acid throwing, brick chips, and other forms of assault occurred, resulting in seven police officers being injured.
Security forces took action after the event, and the situation was brought under control by midnight.
According to eyewitness accounts, the owner of a shop in Miah Shopping Center, Osman Mollah, had shared a post about the Hindu religious organization Iskcon on Facebook.
This led to tensions among the local Hindu community, and soon a group gathered in front of the shop.
They reportedly surrounded Osman’s shop and held him hostage.
Upon receiving information, police arrived at Hazar Goli to rescue Osman.
However, the protesters, members of the Hindu community, reportedly targeted the police with acid, brick chips, and sticks.
Regarding the incident, Kazi Md Tarek Aziz, additional deputy commissioner (media) of the Chittagong Metropolitan Police, said: "In the attack, seven police officers, including Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kotwali) Mahfuzur Rahman, were injured. One officer suffered minor acid burns.”
“They were sent to the hospital for treatment," he added.
Later, a joint force operation resulted in 80 individuals being detained.
Police said the authorities are verifying the detainees, and those found innocent will be released, while those involved in the incident will be brought to justice.
