5 held for arson in Barisal

The arrested persons are Sumon, Shahin, Mojibor Rahman, JCD leader Monir Hossain and Bivash Roy, father of accused Sabuj. Police have been deployed in the area.

The trouble ensued from eve teasing, police and local people said. Two separate cases have been lodged.

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Quoting local people, police said Apu, 17, son of Ramesh Halder, often teased Mithun Mitra Tumpa, 13, daughter of Dipak Mitra of that Palli.

Tumpa's father Dipak Mitra and her maternal uncle Probhudan Dewri complained to Apu's father Ramesh Halder and his sister-in-law Sajal. At this, agitated associates of Apu and Sajal beat Probhudan when he was returning home Saturday evening.

Probhudan Dewri complained to local Ward Commissioner Razzak Khan and City Corporation Mayor Majibur Rahman Sarwar MP Saturday evening and then lodged a case with Barisal Kotwali thana, accusing JCD (Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal leader Monir Hossain for alleged complicity in the matter. Police arrested Monir Hossain the same night.

Following this, four shops in the Palli were set afire in the early hours of Sunday, allegedly by Apu and his associates, police and locals said. Apu could not be arrested as he is absconding, police said.

Fire Brigade men extinguished the fire. Papri Derwri, wife of Badal Dewri, lodged a case in connection with the arson.