Youth arrested for posting satirical videos about Allah and the Quran

Bangla Press Desk: The District Detective Branch (DB) police have arrested a 22-year-old man named Sourav Chandra Mohanta in Pirganj Upazila, Rangpur, on charges of posting a derogatory video about Allah and the Holy Quran on social media. He was arrested on Tuesday morning (October 27) from Chikol Belai village in Shibganj Upazila, Bogura. The incident led to heightened tensions, resulting in attacks on homes and acts of vandalism.

According to police sources, the accused, Sourav Chandra Mohanta, is the son of Bishu Chandra Mohanta from Chak Karim Telipara village in Pirganj Sadar Union. He was employed at a garment factory in Gazipur.

About two months ago, an offensive video concerning Allah and the Quran, originating from Sourav’s Facebook account, began circulating on social media. When the video resurfaced and spread further last Monday (October 26), it triggered intense unrest in the area. In response, local village police officer Aminul Islam filed a case at the Pirganj Police Station, alleging religious defamation. Subsequently, the DB police, utilizing information technology, conducted an operation and arrested Sourav in Bogura on Tuesday morning.

Following the circulation of the offensive video, an agitated mob attacked the homes of Sourav and his relatives on Monday night. During the incident, the walls of three houses were damaged, and furniture was ransacked. Upon receiving the report, police arrived promptly at the scene and brought the situation under control.

Bishu Chandra Mohanta, Sourav’s father, filed a case at the Pirganj Police Station regarding the vandalism. In connection with this case, the police have arrested an individual named Shafiqul Islam Arif.

On Tuesday afternoon, both arrested individuals were produced before the court, where the judge denied their bail and ordered them to be sent to jail. Additional police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order.

BP/SP