Teacher beaten to death on rape accusations: Section 144 issued in Khagrachhari again

A man was beaten to death for allegedly raping a student in Khagrachhari this (1 October) noon, prompting another series of clashes in the area and resulting in the imposition of Section-144 again.

Abul Hasnat Muhammad Sohail Rana, a teacher at the Khagrachhari Government Technical School and College, was allegedly killed by an angry mob of students after accusations emerged of him raping a student, locals and upazila administration officials said.

As news of his death spread, tensions flared in the area, resulting in clashes which left several people injured.

Several videos of the clashes have already gone viral on social media.

After the incident, the police brought the dead body to Khagrachari Sadar Hospital.

Khagrachari District Sadar Hospital Resident Doctor Bappi Chakma said Abul Hasnat had died before he had been admitted to the hospital. 

Details will be known after an autopsy, he added.

Contacted, Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station OC Abdul Baten Mridha said he, too, was injured in the clashes and hung up.

The upazila nirbahi officer (UNO), additional superintendent of police and several others were reportedly injured in the incident.

UNO Sujan Chandra Roy said Section-144 will remain in force until further instructions are given to the municipal and district headquarters.

Earlier on 25 February 2021, Rana was jailed in a case filed over sexually harassing a 10th grader of the same school. After being released, he rejoined the institution, which prompted protests from students at the time.

Earlier on 20 September, the local administrations imposed Section 144 in Khagrachhari due to the deteriorating law and order situation and the risk of property damage.