House vandalized in Gopalganj over Facebook post on Prophet Muhammad

A large mob in Kotalipara of Gopalganj has vandalized the house of a Hindu youth, now living in India, allegedly for his Facebook post that demeans Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

The incident took place in Kotalipara upazila's Uttar Kandi village at around 7pm Sunday. 

There were no reports of casualties. Additional police have been deployed in the area following the incident.

According to locals, a Hindu man posted a status on his Facebook account that had hurt the religious sentiments of the Muslim community of several villages in Kotalipara and Barisal upazilas of the district.

Later, some local Muslims vandalized the house belonging to the accused's extended family.

One of the family members told this correspondent that the accused has been living in India for the last seven years.

Besides, a paternal cousin of the accused mentioned that his father, mother and sister also moved to India some three months ago.

Another cousin of the accused said they do not know what the Facebook post said. “On Sunday, we saw some 400-500 people coming to our place and vandalizing our house.”

Dhaka Tribune

They added that five families were living in that house, and now they fear for their safety.

A publicity secretary of local Ulama Parishad said the Facebook post had hurt the religious sentiments of Muslims. “But as a Muslim I do not support the vandalism that took place.”

Later, he demanded the perpetrators to be brought to justice.

Meanwhile, Kotalipara police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Zillur Rahman said the situation in that area is normal now.

“Additional police have been deployed. We have not received any complaints over the matter. If any complaint is filed, legal action will be taken after an investigation.”

The OC added that as the accused is currently living in India, they cannot take any step at this moment.