Petrol poured through window in arson attack on trader's home in Panchagarh; rival claims over money dispute

A trader's house in Khasmahal area of Satmera union in Panchagarh Sadar upazila was set on fire with petrol poured in through a window in the dead of night, according to a complaint. The incident took place around 12:30am on Thursday night.

The victim, trader Islamul Haque, alleged that his former business partner Rezaul Karim took advantage of his absence and poured petrol through a window and set the house on fire before fleeing. The two men live in the same area.

The people inside the house noticed the fire immediately. Although their lives were saved, important documents and some belongings in the house were burnt. Hearing their screams, other members of the household and neighbours rushed in, rescued those inside and managed to put out the fire.

Returning home in the morning and seeing the burnt house, the trader was left distraught. Local public representatives visited the scene after hearing the news. Trader Islamul Haque filed a written complaint at Panchagarh Sadar police station on Friday night.

Islamul Haque said his wife, daughter and the rest of the family would have burnt to death had it been a little later. He said many people saw Rezaul and his associate fleeing from the scene.

He claimed Rezaul owes him 11 lakh taka from their business, and has been refusing to pay it by citing losses. He said Rezaul used to threaten him when he pressed for the money. He alleged that Rezaul set the house on fire in a planned attempt to kill him, and demanded justice.

Satmera Union Parishad chairman Robiul Islam said this was a heinous act. He said the family could have suffered a huge loss, and demanded that those responsible be brought under the law.

Rezaul Karim, however, denied the allegation. He said Islamul had taken 10 lakh taka from him as earnest money for land, and later sold the land to someone else instead of giving it to him. He said Islamul staged the fire incident because he had asked for his money back, adding that many people are owed money by Islamul.

Mokhlesur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Panchagarh Sadar police station, said they have received the complaint and action will be taken after investigation.