4,000 named in murder case over ‘Nural Pagla’ shrine attack

A case has been filed over the murder of a man at the shrine of a local religious figure known as "Nural Pagla" in Rajbari, accusing 4,000 people.

Police have arrested two people in the case.

Additional Superintendent of Police Sharif Al Rajib said on Tuesday that Azad Molla, the father of the victim Russel Molla, filed a murder case with Goalanda Jetty Police Station on Monday night.

The arrestees were identified as Latif (Imam) and Aslam Sheikh. Police said Latif gave the key order to exhume Nural Pagla’s body.

Russell hailed from Tenapcha village in Goalanda Upazila. Russell, a covered-van driver, was a follower of Nural Pagla since his childhood, according to his family.

The incident of attack and vandalism occurred on Sept 5 after Jummah prayers in the Mollapara area of Goalanda Municipality’s Ward No. 5.

The body of Nural Pagla, whose real name was Nurul Haque, was buried in a slightly raised grave and a likeness of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, was put up there, sparking discontent among the “Tawhidi Janata”, a loosely defined Islamist movement portraying itself at the defenders of Islamic morality.

The local administration attempted to mediate between the two sides.

Attackers said that Nurul claimed to be Imam Mahdi -- an Islami end times figure -- although his family and followers denied the allegation.

The Tawhidi Janata mob staged a protest rally following the Jummah prayer on Friday. Then they attacked the tomb.

Russell was attacked and grievously injured at that time. He was rescued and initially admitted to Goalanda Upazila Health Complex and then to Faridpur Medical College Hospital. Russell died while undergoing treatment there.

ASP Rajib also said police were attacked on that day as well. They have arrested 16 people over the incident as of now.