Tension erupted in Roumari upazila of Kurigram district following allegations that a police driver behaved in an abusive and physically aggressive manner towards farmers at a fuel station, triggering widespread unrest and public outrage on Thursday morning.
According to local accounts, the incident took place at around 9:00 a.m. at the Brahmaputra Filling Station, where petrol and diesel distribution had begun after a prolonged period of fuel shortages affecting agricultural activities in the region. A large number of farmers had queued at the station in anticipation of collecting fuel for irrigation and other farming needs during the ongoing agricultural season.
Eyewitnesses alleged that a driver constable from Roumari Police Station, identified as Md Gaffar Ali, suddenly assaulted at least three farmers standing in line by kicking them without provocation. He was also accused of using offensive and disrespectful language towards those present, further escalating tensions among the waiting crowd.
The situation deteriorated rapidly as shocked farmers reacted to what they described as unjustified aggression. One local farmer, Nurul Amin, reportedly stepped forward to demand an explanation, which further intensified the confrontation. Witnesses also claimed that the official behaved inappropriately towards journalists who had arrived at the scene to document the unfolding events.
As anger spread among those present, the confrontation escalated into a chaotic scene. A group of enraged farmers and locals attempted to detain the driver, forcing him to flee the area. He reportedly escaped by scaling the boundary wall of the filling station, as the crowd continued to gather in protest outside the premises.
The incident quickly circulated throughout the locality, drawing additional residents to the site and leading to demonstrations demanding accountability. The unrest highlighted growing frustration among farmers already struggling with agricultural constraints and limited access to essential resources.
Local administration officials have since acknowledged the incident and initiated preliminary steps towards investigation. The Officer-in-Charge of Roumari Police Station stated that the matter has been reported to higher authorities and appropriate legal action will be taken following instructions.
Meanwhile, the Upazila Nirbahi Officer confirmed that although a formal written complaint had not yet been fully documented, the situation is being taken seriously and is under active review. Authorities are currently gathering statements from witnesses and assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Community members have expressed strong condemnation of the alleged behaviour, emphasising that such conduct by a law enforcement representative towards civilians, particularly farmers, is unacceptable and undermines public trust. They have called for a transparent investigation and strict disciplinary measures against those found responsible.
Timeline of Events
| Time/Stage | Incident Description |
|---|---|
| Around 9:00 a.m. | Fuel distribution begins at Brahmaputra Filling Station |
| Shortly after | Tension arises among farmers in the queue |
| Mid-morning | Allegations of physical assault on three farmers emerge |
| Shortly thereafter | Confrontation escalates following protest by locals |
| Later | Reports of inappropriate behaviour towards journalists |
| Subsequent phase | Crowd attempts to detain suspect; he flees the scene |
| Final stage | Authorities announce investigation and possible legal action |
The incident remains a focal point of local discussion, with residents continuing to demand a swift, impartial, and thorough investigation to ensure accountability and restore public confidence.