8 Rajshahi University students robbed at knifepoint

Eight students of Rajshahi University were allegedly held at gunpoint, assaulted and robbed by a group of miscreants at Gazni tourist centre in Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur on Friday morning.

The incident took place around 9:00 AM on a hill near the tourist spot in the Garo Hills. The attackers allegedly took the students' mobile phones, wallets and cash before fleeing.

According to the students, a 77-member university group, including 70 students, three teachers, two staff members and two catering workers, visited the tourist centre on Friday. They later split into smaller groups to explore the surrounding hills.

When a group of eight students climbed a hill, several assailants carrying a pistol and locally made sharp weapons blocked their way. The attackers allegedly tied them up, beat them and took their belongings.

Rimon Raihan, a student of the university's Social Work Department, said the group returned to the tourist centre after the incident and reunited with the others with help from local people.

Gazni tourist centre caretaker Clemen Raksam said visitors had been warned not to venture into the remote hills and forest areas.

He said the authorities contacted the police after learning about the robbery.

Officer-in-Charge of Jhenaigati Police Station SM Nur Mohammad said police immediately searched different parts of the hills but could not arrest the suspects, who fled into the remote terrain.

Police personnel have been deployed at the tourist centre, he said, adding that legal action would be taken if the affected students file a formal complaint.

Sherpur Deputy Commissioner Farida Yasmin said she had been informed that the incident took place on a hill outside the tourist centre, despite warnings from local people against going there.

She said she had instructed the upazila nirbahi officer and the officer-in-charge to take necessary measures.

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