10 houses vandalised, looted over college student's murder in Alfadanga

At least 10 houses have been attacked, vandalised and looted in Alfadanga upazila, Faridpur, following the murder of college student Sumon Sheikh, 24. Locals said the incidents continued day and night, with police presence inadequate to control the situation.

Sumon Sheikh, a second-year student of M A Khaleque Degree College in Kashiani, was killed on June 26 over previous enmity and dominance in the area. His brother filed a murder case at Alfadanga Police Station naming 17 people.

The first attack occurred on the night of the murder. After a human chain protest on June 29, a series of attacks, vandalism and looting took place on the opposing side's houses.

On the ground, doors, windows, walls and furniture of at least 10 houses, including those of Kuddus Sheikh and his son Hussain Sheikh, were found damaged. Locals alleged that over a hundred people attacked with shovels and hammers, and removed tin roofs from several houses.

In a written complaint prepared for the police, Shapala Begum, wife of Alim Sheikh, claimed attackers broke into an almirah and looted Tk 5 lakh, 15 vori (about 175 grams) of gold ornaments and other valuables. She also alleged being threatened with death for protesting.

Alfadanga Police Station Officer-in-Charge Fakir Faizur Rahman said no formal complaint has been filed yet, but the allegations are being investigated.

Meanwhile, the victim's brother and complainant Shamim Sheikh denied involvement in the attacks, claiming that only one of the 17 accused has been arrested so far.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md Shamsul Azam said one person has been arrested in the murder case and operations are ongoing. Additional police have been deployed and the situation is under control.

The case has been transferred to Faridpur District Detective Branch for investigation.