Three separate cases have been filed in connection with the recent violence in Khagrachhari’s Sadar and Guimara upazilas following the alleged rape of a schoolgirl last week.
During protests by indigenous residents on Sunday, three Marma youths were shot dead, while several shops and houses were vandalised and set on fire.
Police said two cases were filed by Sub-Inspector Sohel Rana of Guimara Police Station, while another was lodged by SI Shahriar of Sadar Police Station on Wednesday.
Guimara Police Officer-in-Charge Md Enamul Haque Chowdhury said one of the cases was filed over the killing of three people, with police acting as the complainant since the victims’ families declined to file charges. The statement did not specify the number of accused.
The second case accused around 300 unidentified people of obstructing government duties, attacking security personnel, vandalism, and arson. According to the statement, protesters defied Section 144 and ignored repeated requests from law enforcers and army personnel to disperse. It alleged that 250–300 armed members of a hill group clashed with security forces and attempted to seize government weapons.
As the situation worsened, Bangalee settlers also gathered at the scene. The case statement said the crowd hurled stones, and armed men advanced towards Ramesu Bazar, firing at security forces and Bangalees. Gunfire was reported, and nearby homes and shops were soon engulfed in flames.
Thirteen army personnel, three policemen, and the OC were injured by gunfire. Police responded with seven rounds of tear gas before the armed group retreated as reinforcements arrived. By 4:30pm, security forces had regained control and took several injured individuals to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital.
In the third case, SI Shahriar accused 700 to 800 unidentified people of violence and obstructing government duties.
Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel confirmed the filing of the three cases and said the situation is under control. Law enforcement remains deployed, with intelligence surveillance continuing.
Although Section 144 is still in place, public and vehicular movement appeared normal on Thursday, with crowds gathering at the weekly market. Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondker said the administration is closely monitoring developments and Section 144 will be lifted once deemed safe.
The unrest stemmed from allegations that a schoolgirl was raped on September 23 while returning from private tuition. Her father filed a case the next day against three unidentified men. Police later arrested a man named Shoyon Shil, who was placed on a six-day remand.
However, a medical board report submitted Tuesday found no evidence of rape. Khagrachhari Civil Surgeon Dr Saber Ahmed said all 10 indicators tested showed no signs of sexual assault, though the final decision rests with the court.
The girl’s father declined to comment further, saying he would only speak in court. He also expressed concern about how his daughter’s photos and medical details were circulated in the media despite her being a minor.
