THE police arrested seven leaders of the Students Against Discrimination, which led the July Uprising in 2024, from different areas in Jhenaidah on allegations of bus arson and vandalism at fuel pumps.

The arrests were made during separate raids across the city around midnight on Sunday. The detainees were produced before the court on Monday afternoon.

The arrested were Jhenaidah district Red July convener Abu Hasnat Tanaim, the district SAD convener Saidur Rahman, its member-secretary Ashiqur Rahman Jibon, joint convener Ejaz Ahmed Antar, youth wing members Tashdid Hasan, Rasel Husain and Humayun Kabir.

According to police, the arrests followed a series of incidents triggered by the murder of Fardin Ahmed Nirob, a member of the Students Against Discrimination, who was beaten to death during a dispute over fuel at Taj Filling Station on Saturday night.

In protest over his death, members of the ADSM allegedly vandalised the Arappur Srijoni Filling Station and set fire to three buses at the central bus terminal early Sunday. Two separate cases were filed in connection with the incidents—one for bus arson and another for vandalism at the fuel pump.

While being transported to court, the detainees alleged that they were physically assaulted and mistreated by police after their arrest. They also claimed the incidents were politically motivated and demanded that CCTV footage from the bus terminal and fuel stations be made public.

They, however, repeatedly denied their involvement in the vandalism and arson, urging journalists to report the facts accurately.

Jheanidah additional superintendent of police Sheikh Bellal Hossain said that the police issued a press note regarding the arrests and would present all evidence in court.

He declined further comment.