The cases were lodged following unrest during a protest blockade by the group Jumma Chhatra Janata, authorities said on Thursday (October 2).

Superintendent of Police Md Arefin Jewel told reporters that clashes broke out last weekend despite a Section 144 ban on public gatherings. Protesters allegedly obstructed government work, set fires, looted shops, vandalized property, and carried out assaults, including killings. One case filed at Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station lists 250 to 300 unidentified suspects. Two cases at the Guimara Police Station accuse another 850 unnamed people.

By Thursday morning, the situation in both Khagrachhari and Guimara had largely returned to normalcy. Shops and markets reopened after days of closure, public movement increased, and long-distance buses resumed operations. Tourist activity also picked up. Still, Section 144 remains in place, with law enforcement maintaining patrols, checkpoints, and search operations across key roads.

The unrest stems from a September 21 allegation of gang rape of a schoolgirl in the district sadar. Jumma Chhatra Janata called the blockade after the incident, which later spiraled into violence.

Police confirmed they have received a medical team’s report on the alleged victim. “The report found no evidence of rape,” said Superintendent Arefin Jewel, noting that investigators have been given the findings.

The army, meanwhile, accused the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF) of exploiting the allegation to destabilize the hill region.