Son accused of setting father’s jute warehouse on fire in Manikganj

A jute warehouse in Singair upazila of Manikganj was gutted in a fire allegedly set by the owner's son following a dispute over business accounts, causing an estimated loss of Tk 15 lakh.

The incident occurred at Jamsha Bazar around 10:00 am on Sunday.

The accused, Russell Molla, is the son of warehouse owner Samej Uddin Molla, a resident of the area.

Locals said Russell was seen roaming around the warehouse before allegedly vandalising its tin walls and door. He then allegedly set the warehouse on fire and left the scene.

As the flames spread, locals tried to bring the fire under control. A unit of the Singair Fire Service later reached the spot and extinguished the blaze after nearly an hour of efforts.

Warehouse owner Samej Uddin Molla said a disagreement had developed between him and his son over the proper accounting of business transactions.

He alleged that his son became angry and set the warehouse on fire.

He said around 320 maunds of jute, worth approximately Tk 15 lakh, had been stored there, adding that most of the stock was destroyed.

Singair Fire Service Team Leader Mahbubur Rahman said the warehouse was completely gutted, while around 80 per cent of the stored jute was also destroyed.

Singair Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Mazharul Islam said police had initially learned about the incident but had not received any formal complaint.

He said legal action would be taken if a written complaint was filed.

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