Villagers Torch Home of Alleged Robbery Gang Leader in Habiganj Amid Claims of Police Inaction

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Residents of Purangaon village in the Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj set fire to a local man’s home late Sunday night, alleging that he operated a criminal gang responsible for a series of robberies in the area.

The incident targeted the residence of Wahid Mia, who villagers claim has long led a criminal syndicate. According to local testimony, the property was frequently used as a storage site for stolen goods, including vehicles and auto-rickshaws taken during various robberies. Villagers have long accused Mia of staining the reputation of their community through his alleged criminal activities.

Tensions reached a breaking point during a local panchayat meeting held Sunday evening, where residents openly criticized Mia’s conduct. Many attendees expressed deep frustration, asserting that they had repeatedly reported the criminal activities to the Nabiganj police, yet authorities had failed to take decisive action. Shortly after the meeting concluded at midnight, a group of enraged villagers set fire to Mia’s house, causing the structure to be rapidly consumed by flames.

Nabiaganj police and local fire services arrived on the scene shortly after the blaze began, eventually bringing the fire under control. While the house sustained significant damage, no casualties were reported.

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Salamat Mia and Arzu Mia, residents of the village, alleged that local law enforcement had been reluctant to act against the suspect because he was occasionally utilized as an informant. They contended that this perceived complicity fueled the community’s decision to take matters into their own hands.

Nabiganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge Monaem Mia acknowledged that Wahid Mia is a suspect in multiple robbery cases. However, he dismissed allegations of police collusion, stating that the claims regarding the department’s cooperation with the suspect are inaccurate. The officer confirmed that a search for the suspect remains ongoing.