Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) arrested Ruhul Amin, a main accused in the case for looting and arson at Santal dwellings in Sahebganj sugarcane farm area belonging to Rangpur Sugar Mills, from Madarpur village in Gobindaganj upazila under the district on Tuesday night.
Ruhul Amin, 33, a labourers' leader of sugar mill workers at Joypurpara village in Gobindaganj, actively involved in the arson attack and looting houses of Santal families at Sahebganj sugarcane farm on November 6 and 7 in 2016, police said.
On November 6 and 7 in 2016, clashes involving farm labourers, Santals and police at Sahebganj farm, centring the policemen's eviction drive against Santals from the area, left three Santal men killed and 30 people including nine policemen injured.
Arson and looting of Santal's houses took place during the eviction drive.
One Thomas Hembrom on behalf of the Santal community filed a case with Gobindaganj Police Station accusing 33 named people and 500 unknown others in this connection. Arrested Ruhul Amin was one of the main accused.
“During primary interrogation, Ruhul Amin confessed to his involvement in the arson and looting of Santal sheds. Even after the incident, he continued torture and repression on Santal families. Over the issue several general diaries were filed against him with Gobindaganj Police Station,” said Akhter Hossain Mia, additional superintendent of police.
Ruhul Amin will be placed before the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate today, he said.
