In the early hours of Monday, around 1:00 a.m., unknown assailants attempted to set fire to Sunaru Government Primary School in Baniachong, Habiganj. Rapid intervention by police and military personnel ensured that the perpetrators fled the scene before causing significant damage, averting a potential crisis and calming fears among local residents.
Additional Superintendent of Police Ankhi Rani Das confirmed the incident, stating, “Our initial assessment indicates that a small fire, resembling a spark or ‘fulki’, was set at the school. Officers arrived promptly and extinguished the flames. The fire lasted approximately one minute, leaving blackened marks on two doors. CCTV footage from the school has been collected, and we are investigating the precise motive behind this attempt.”
Local residents corroborated the report. Swarbindu Das, vice-president of the Baniachong Union BNP, told reporters, “Around 1:00 a.m., we learned that some miscreants were attempting to ignite the school. We immediately informed law enforcement and rushed to the site. The culprits had already fled before any serious damage occurred. Only two doors suffered minor burns.”
The episode has heightened anxiety among the community. Sources suggest that banned organisations maintain a degree of influence in the area, and speculation has arisen that the incident may have been instigated by disputes linked to prominent local figures. In particular, some residents believe that provocations may be connected to Sushanta Das Gupta, a native of Sunaru currently residing in London, although no evidence has been formally confirmed.
Authorities have responded by stepping up security measures to safeguard residents and public facilities. Police and community leaders have urged calm and vigilance, emphasising that investigations are ongoing.
A summary of the key details regarding the incident is provided below:
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Sunaru Government Primary School, Baniachong, Habiganj |
| Time | Monday, 1:00 a.m. |
| Nature of Incident | Attempted arson (spark-like fire) |
| Damage | Minor; two doors blackened, fire lasted ~1 minute |
| Administrative Response | Rapid police and military intervention; CCTV collected; investigation underway |
| Possible Background | Linked to influence of controversial local figure; suspected provocation |
As the investigation continues, officials are monitoring the situation closely, ensuring public safety, and urging residents to remain alert while avoiding panic.