Residents Protest Over Theft Allegations Against Youth in Lakshmipur

Residents of Atiatali area in Lakshmipur municipality have held a human chain demanding action over a series of alleged thefts, with a local youth named Sujon being accused of involvement in several incidents.

The protest was held on Wednesday evening, 22 July, near Mamun’s shop in Atiatali, under Ward No. 11 of Lakshmipur municipality. Several residents and alleged victims took part in the programme and described incidents in which valuables and other property were reportedly stolen from homes and local establishments.

Residents allege that thefts have become frequent in the neighbourhood and claim that incidents often occur when Sujon, the son of Sekantar Mia of the same area, is present in or around the locality. The allegations include the theft of household utensils, mobile phones, motorcycles, an auto-rickshaw, a bicycle and fish from a pond.

During the human chain, victims named several incidents they said had taken place recently. They alleged that Kamal Hossain of Khaser’s Bari had lost a motorcycle, a mobile phone and gold ornaments. An auto-rickshaw belonging to Abdul Gafur was also reportedly stolen. Residents further alleged that Tamanna’s mobile phone and Ibrahim’s bicycle were taken, while fish were stolen from Shahadat’s pond.

The allegations have caused concern among some residents, who say repeated thefts have left people worried about the security of their homes and property. They called for a proper investigation into each complaint and urged the authorities to identify those responsible.

Ibrahim, one of the alleged victims, said thefts appeared to occur whenever Sujon came into the area. He claimed that his bicycle had been stolen and expressed frustration over the repeated incidents.

Shopkeeper Nazim Uddin also made allegations against Sujon, claiming that he was involved in drug use and dealing. He further alleged that the youth stole various items, ranging from household utensils to other belongings that were left within reach. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.

Abdul Gafur, an auto-rickshaw driver, said his newly purchased auto-rickshaw had been stolen. According to him, he had sought intervention from respected local residents but had not received a satisfactory resolution.

The situation reportedly escalated after an alleged theft of fish from a pond. According to local accounts, Nazim Uddin was assaulted in connection with the incident, allegedly by Sujon. Residents later assaulted Sujon as well. Local sources said Sujon was subsequently injured and receiving treatment at a hospital. The circumstances surrounding the alleged assaults could not be independently verified.

Attempts were made several times to contact Sujon by mobile phone for his response to the allegations, but it was not possible to reach him. As a result, his version of events could not be obtained.

Lakshmipur Sadar Model Police Station officer-in-charge Wahid Parvez said police operations against thieves, robbers and criminals were continuing. He said that if an investigation established Sujon’s involvement in thefts, the police would take steps to detain him and bring him under the law.

The allegations have not yet been established through a formal investigation, and no finding of guilt has been reported. Residents, meanwhile, are seeking a thorough inquiry into the reported thefts, recovery of stolen property where possible, and appropriate legal action against anyone found responsible.