The gate of the Bogura residence of expatriate online activist Pinaki Bhattacharya was set on fire early on Tuesday (4 November). The incident occurred at around 2am in front of the house named ‘Shyama Pakhi’ in the Jaleshwaritala area of the town.
Although the family initially attempted to keep the matter private, it spread across social media on Wednesday. Later, at around 8pm, separate teams led by Additional Superintendent of Police Hossein Mohammad Raihan and Fire Service Assistant Director Manzil Haque visited the scene.
CCTV footage shows two young men placing what appears to be polythene material in front of the gate at 2:06am, setting it alight, taking photos on their phones, and leaving quickly. The fire extinguished on its own shortly afterwards.
Tenants live on the ground floor of the house, while Pinaki Bhattacharya’s mother, uncle and aunt reside on the first floor.
Pinaki’s uncle, Subrata Bhoumik, said they had no complaints regarding the incident and requested that the matter not be publicised.
Additional Superintendent of Police Hossein Mohammad Raihan stated that police and fire service officials had collected evidence from the scene. He added that surrounding CCTV footage was being examined to identify those involved.
TSN