A man named Mohammad Anis allegedly set fire to his own house in Puthia, Rajshahi, on Monday night after his wife refused to give him money for drugs. The fire quickly spread to nearby houses, destroying a total of five dwellings and causing losses estimated at over one million taka. The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m., and by the time the fire service arrived, all the houses had been reduced to ashes. Local residents became agitated, prompting police intervention to restore order.

Puthia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Faridul Islam said an investigation is underway and legal action will follow if the affected families file complaints. On Tuesday morning, local Member of Parliament Professor Nazrul Islam Mondal, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Liakat Salman, and Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shibu Das visited the site and provided initial assistance to the victims. Anis’s wife, Sohagi Khatun, stated that her husband had wasted money on drugs and mobile gambling and set the fire out of anger when she refused to give him more.

Authorities are continuing the investigation to determine the full extent of the damage and responsibility.