Eighteen Arrested After Mob Attacks Police Station Over Rumored Custodial Death in Barishal

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Police in Barisal’s Agailjhara upazila have arrested 18 people following a violent clash at the local police station sparked by rumors surrounding the alleged death of a detainee. The unrest, which saw protesters storm the facility and engage in confrontations with officers, has prompted authorities to deploy additional security forces to the area.

Agailjhara Police Station officer-in-charge Mohammad Masud Khan confirmed the arrests on Friday morning, stating that operations conducted throughout Thursday night led to the suspects being taken into custody. Police are actively searching for others identified as participants in the attack and have vowed to pursue legal action against all those involved in the violence.

The tension began following the arrest of Riaz Fakir, a suspect wanted in multiple criminal cases, who was taken into custody on Wednesday evening on theft charges. According to police, Fakir became ill after inflicting injuries upon himself while inside the station’s holding cell. He was initially transported to the Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex before being transferred to the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barisal due to a deterioration in his condition.

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On Thursday afternoon, reports of Fakir’s death began to circulate, prompting hundreds of residents to march on the police station. The protest escalated into a violent confrontation, with demonstrators assaulting Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Halim. In an effort to restore order, officers used batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in a skirmish that left at least 12 people injured, including six police officers. ASI Halim remains hospitalized with serious injuries, while the other five officers received treatment at a local facility. Six civilians, including Fakir’s mother and sisters, were also injured during the clash.

While family members allege that Fakir was innocent and subjected to police brutality while in custody, authorities have categorically denied these claims. Medical staff at the Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, where Fakir is currently receiving treatment, reported that his head injury is not life-threatening. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as police continue their efforts to apprehend additional suspects.