Residents of Khairbona area in Rajshahi city formed a human chain on Wednesday afternoon demanding the arrest and exemplary punishment of a Swechchhasebak Dal leader and several others accused of attacking the house of local resident Haji Md. Anarul Bhandari. The demonstration took place on the Khairbona footpath near Sahebbazar Road.

According to the complaint, on the night of May 31, a group led by Shakil Ahmed Ali, convener of the Boalia Thana East unit of Swechchhasebak Dal, allegedly attacked Bhandari’s house, vandalized property, and looted valuables. Bhandari claimed that his younger brother Sanarul was seriously injured in the assault and later admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital. He also alleged that the accused had long been involved in drug dealing, extortion, and land grabbing in the area.

Boalia Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Robiul Islam said police were conducting operations to arrest the accused and would bring them to justice soon. Attempts to reach Shakil Ahmed Ali for comment were unsuccessful.