In Netrakona Sadar upazila, miscreants set fire to the cow shed of the house of a Sanatan Dharma member and a former chairman of the Union Parishad (UP). Nine cows, six goats and irrigation equipment were burnt. The incident took place in Swarikanda village of Thakurakona union last Sunday midnight. Since the incident, there has been panic among other residents of the Hindu community in the area.
The owner of that house is Deepak Kumar Saha Roy Chowdhury. He is the former chairman of Thakurakona UP.
Deepak Kumar said that miscreants set fire to a large tin cattle shed near the Natmandir of the house at midnight on Sunday. When the people of the house started screaming after seeing the fire, they ran away. Fire service personnel including army personnel came to the spot after receiving the information. Before the fire could be brought under control, nine cows, six goats, irrigation equipment and a pile of hay were gutted. It has caused at least 16 lakh rupees damage.
Deepak Kumar said, ‘It was not known in the dark who set the fire. I have no enemies, yet set fire. The animals in the cowshed were burnt to death. The Muslims and Hindus of the area put out the fire together. Fire service and army people were coming at night. I want justice for this incident.’
Deepak Kumar’s younger brother Arun Kanti Saha Roy Chowdhury said that the local Hindu residents are terrified of this incident. He said, ‘I am living in great danger. Residents of the Muslim community in the area are also shocked by this incident.
Neighbor Wares Ali Fakir said, “The fire in Ghebir Rai and the sound of Shuinna Giya dehi all puira gaitache. I called everyone in the next room and saved my life by putting out water. I could not save the cows and calves. Those who are doing this are not human. A dumb animal is barking. We want a proper trial of this incident.’
Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Tanya Tabassum, President of District Puja Udyapan Parishad Gyanesh Ranjan Sarkar, General Secretary Liton Pandit, President of District Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad Sitanshu Vikas Acharya, General Secretary Manki Saha Roy and others visited the spot on Monday afternoon.
UNO Tanya Tabassum said, ‘From what I have seen, the situation is believed to have been caused by a miscreant. The matter is being investigated.’
Superintendent of Police Faiz Ahmed has assured that the people involved in this incident will be brought under the law. He said whoever is involved will be investigated and those responsible will be brought to justice.