Md. Lavlu Sheikh, Lalmonirhat

Locals of Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila handed over a Hindu father and son to the police on charges of defaming the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).

 Later, devout Muslims surrounded the police station demanding justice. The situation calmed down after members of the army arrived. The father and son were detained from the Hanif Pagla Mor area of Lalmonirhat municipality on Sunday, June 22, at noon.

The detainees are Sri Paresh Chandra Shil (69) and his son Sri Bishnu Chandra Shil (35), residents of Saptana Nabin Tari area under Lalmonirhat municipality and sons of the late Khokaram Shil. They are barbers by profession and used to work at a salon in the Hanif Mor area.

According to police and locals, on Sunday noon, Nazmul Islam (19) of Namatari area in the municipality went to the salon for a haircut. While cutting hair, the accused Paresh Chandra Shil said to Nazmul Islam, "How many times did your Prophet marry? The last wife of your Prophet was very young! Why are you growing a beard now? Will you grow a beard in your old age?" He also made several derogatory remarks about Islam. Hearing this, Nazmul Islam became agitated, and nearby devout Muslims rushed to the scene, creating a tense situation. The locals then detained the father and son and handed them over to the police.

Meanwhile, as news of the incident spread, groups of devout Muslims rushed to the police station. They gathered in the station premises, chanting slogans and protesting, demanding justice. The situation calmed down after members of the army arrived and assured of proper action.

It is worth mentioning that about one and a half months ago, Sajid Hossain (18) of the Gosla Bazar area went to the same salon for a haircut and was also allegedly subjected to derogatory remarks about Islam by Paresh Chandra Shil and his son Bishnu Chandra Shil.

 OC of Sadar Police Station Mohammad Nurunnabi said that locals detained the father and son, Paresh Chandra Shil and Bishnu Chandra Shil, on charges of defaming the Prophet. Upon receiving the information, police took them into custody. Devout Muslims gathered in the station premises demanding justice. 

The situation calmed down after army personnel arrived. The OC added that a case would be filed against the detainees and they would be sent to court.