A tense confrontation between police and local residents in Raipur, Laxmipur, left at least fifteen people injured, including four police officers, following the recovery of a stolen battery-powered auto-rickshaw. The incident triggered a four-hour blockade of the Laxmipur–Chandpur road, causing widespread traffic disruption and public distress.
Incident Overview
According to police and local sources, the sequence of events began on Thursday evening in Sonapur Union, Ward 1. Rickshaw driver Shah Alam had parked his battery-operated vehicle on the roadside while he went to break his fast for Iftar. Within minutes, the rickshaw was stolen.
With assistance from neighbours, Shah Alam located and apprehended four suspects. Although the vehicle itself was eventually recovered, the thieves had already sold its battery elsewhere. Locals reportedly took the suspects to their homes and used physical force to demand the return of the battery, escalating tensions.
By 8:30 pm, a 999 emergency call prompted police to arrive at the scene to take the suspects into custody. However, residents refused to release the suspects until the battery was returned, leading to clashes between the two sides.
At least fifteen people were injured during the confrontation, including Raipur Police officers Motaleeb, Shawkat, Manjur, and Zahid. All injured parties were admitted to Raipur Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
Roadblock and Public Disruption
Following the clash, local residents blocked the Laxmipur–Chandpur regional road at Chaitailya Dighi Ghat. They threw bricks, bamboo, and tree branches, and set fire to debris, obstructing traffic for four hours. The blockade stretched over a two-kilometre stretch, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded and causing severe inconvenience to commuters.
Shah Alam said, “We detained the thieves to recover the battery. When the police attempted to take them, they attacked us. At least 15–16 people were injured.”
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 7:50 pm | Shah Alam parks rickshaw and goes for Iftar |
| 8:00 pm | Rickshaw is stolen |
| 8:30 pm | Four suspects apprehended by locals |
| 8:30–9:00 pm | Tensions rise over battery recovery |
| 9:00 pm | Police arrive after 999 call |
| 9:00 pm–1:00 am | Clashes and road blockade, traffic disruption |
Police Statement
Additional Superintendent of Police (Raipur Circle) Jaminul Haque stated that the mobile police team arrived promptly following the 999 call. While attempting to escort the suspects to the police station, residents reportedly threw bricks at officers, injuring four policemen. He confirmed that the suspects are now in police custody and legal action will be taken both for the theft and for injuries sustained by officers. He added that army and additional police units assisted in lifting the blockade, restoring order.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by local authorities in managing civil unrest in response to property crimes, as well as the rapid escalation of tensions when public sentiment runs high.