16 October, 2026 – Chattogram, Bangladesh: A group of 10 to 15 people allegedly attacked a group of individuals at Gouri Shilpalaya, an idol-making workshop beside Loknath Ashram in Joykali Bazar, Anwara Upazila, Chattogram, following a dispute involving a vehicle carrying Durga Puja idols and a local van driver.
The incident occurred at around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15. A young man identified as Apu Sarkar Akash, 22, was injured in the alleged attack. One of the arms of a Kartik idol was also reportedly broken.
Dispute Followed by Alleged Attack
According to Akash, he and others had travelled from Barkhain Union to Gouri Shilpalaya to collect idols for Durga Puja. While transporting the idols on a vehicle, they reportedly became involved in a verbal altercation with a local van driver near Padmapukur Par on the Satt arhat Road.
Akash said they decided not to continue the argument and returned to the idol workshop. However, a short time later, a group of approximately 10 to 15 people allegedly arrived at the workshop and launched a sudden attack on them.
Mukta Chakraborty, wife of idol artisan Kanchan Chakraborty, said the group entered the workshop and began beating Akash. When she attempted to intervene and protect him, the attackers allegedly pushed them to the ground and verbally abused them. During the incident, one of the arms of a Kartik idol was reportedly broken.
Pradip Dhar, former general secretary of the Anwara Upazila Puja Celebration Council, said the incident stemmed from the earlier argument. He added that the workshop workers immediately resisted, preventing more extensive damage.
Police and RAB Visit the Scene
After receiving information about the incident, police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel visited the scene.
Anwara Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Junayed Chowdhury confirmed the incident and said police arrived shortly after receiving the report. He added that investigators were working to identify those involved.
Two individuals were taken to the police station for preliminary questioning in connection with the incident.
Police said steps were underway to identify those responsible and take appropriate legal action.
