Manager detained, restaurant torched after attempted assault of six-year-old in Gaibandha

A restaurant in Gaibandha was vandalized and set on fire by an angry crowd on Wednesday (June 24) after allegations emerged that a six-year-old girl had been lured inside the establishment and subjected to an attempted sexual assault.

The incident took place at a restaurant near the Ghaghat River in the district's Sadar upazila.

Police have detained the restaurant manager, identified as Amir Hossain, 50, in connection with the allegation.

According to police and local residents, the child—an elementary school student from the nearby area—was allegedly taken inside the restaurant by the suspect. News of the incident quickly spread, prompting locals to surround the establishment and prevent the accused from leaving.

Police arrived at the scene and brought the situation under control after efforts to disperse the crowd and secure the suspect. Authorities later took the accused into custody for questioning.

However, shortly after police left the area, a group of agitated residents reportedly attacked the restaurant, vandalizing the property before setting it ablaze. No casualties were reported in the fire.

Additional Superintendent of Police Md. Sheikh Muttazul Islam said the suspect had been detained over allegations of attempted sexual assault and that an investigation was underway.

He added that no formal complaint had yet been filed by the victim's family, but police would proceed with legal action upon receiving a written complaint and based on the findings of the investigation.

Authorities are also investigating the arson and vandalism that followed the incident.