Dhaka: The High Court on Tuesday issued a rule asking the government to explain as to why the firing on the Santal community in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha district, arson attack on their houses and looting of their belongings should not be declared illegal.

An HC bench comprising Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice Krishna Debnath passed the order after hearing a writ petition filed by two affected Santal men.

The court also asked the government to explain why it should not be directed to take legal action against those involved in the incident.

Home, Industries and Law secretaries, and the local MP among 12 people have been made respondents to the rule.

Advocate Jotirmoy Barua stood for the petitioners while deputy attorney general Motahar Hossain Raju represented the state. 

The writ petition was filed on Monday seeking a judicial probe into the attack on the Santal community in Gobindaganj upazila.

Two Santal men were killed and 30 people, including nine policemen, injured following a clash with law enforcers and workers of Rangpur Sugar Mills in Gobindaganj upazila on November 6.

The clash broke out when workers of Rangpur Sugar Mills along with police went to Bagda Farm area to reclaim land of the sugar mill allegedly occupied by the Santal community.