Hindus still in panic

The lower caste Hindus, whose belongings were burnt after local criminals set their 20 houses on fire in Bochaganj upazila early Saturday, have lost all their confidence and peace of mind although local administration and politicians are helping them to rebuild their houses.

Local administration yesterday distributed corrugated iron sheets, bamboos, blankets and cash among the affected families while the local municipality hired nearly 30 labourers for rebuilding their houses.

"My houses, built them during the last 40 years, were reduced to ashes in just 40 minutes," said Sandhya Rani Sutradhar.

"Although they are doing everything possible for us, we still feel unsafe as another culprit Alsam Mia is still at large," said Laki Rani.

Bochaganj municipality Mayor Abdus Sabur said they are trying to rebuild the houses in shortest possible time as the affected families have been staying at their neighbours' houses since the attack.

Meanwhile, a Dinajpur court yesterday granted one-day remand for Jewel Rana after Bochaganj police produced the arrestee before it seeking a five-day remand, said Officer-in-Charge Habibul Haq Prodhan of Bochaganj Police Station, adding that they were trying to arrest the other accused Aslam Mia.

 "I couldn't save anything, even my books and suggestion papers," said Akash Sutradhar, son of Bimal Sutradhar, and an HSC examinee.

Local ward councillor Jahangir Alam Liton said they will distribute books and other necessary things among the affected students today.

Criminals led by Jewel Rana torched 20 houses of 10 lower caste Hindus at Rail-Colonypara in Bochaganj upazila on Saturday.

Locals caught Jewel Rana from the spot and handed him over to the police.