Bangladesh: 10 temples, properties of Hindus vandalized over Facebook post

Dhaka:  An unruly mob vandalized at least 10 Hindu temples, destroyed idols and ransacked properties in Bangladesh after an alleged Facebook post ridiculed Islam's holiest site Kaaba in Mecca. The violence took place on Sunday in the eastern town of Nasirnagar when Hindus were celebrating Diwali. Around 100-150 men demonstrated and demanded the arrest of a fisherman who allegedly posted the objectionable content on Facebook. "They vandalised 200 Hindu houses and set eight shops on fire. At least 150 men were injured as they tried to resist the attack," Somesh Roy, a Hindu community elder, told newagency AFP.

Two people were injured in the attacks while six people were detained. Policemen were called in to take control of the escalating situation. "We have also arrested a 30-year-old Hindu man for the Facebook post. He'll be charged with breaching internet laws," Nasirnagar police chief Abdul Kader told AFP, adding the post had already been taken down. Bangladesh in recent months has been witnessing a number of attacks against minorties, secular bloggers, writers and foreigners.