by Iman Milner
November 6, 2023
A Brooklyn landlord has been arrested after allegedly burning down a constructing he owns in an effort to pressure residents to vacate, CBS Information studies. Rafiqul Islam now faces assault, arson, and eight counts of tried homicide costs for the incident that occurred on Sept. 26.
Investigators allege that Islam set the fireplace in response to the refusal of second- flooring residents to both pay lease or transfer off of the premises. Hearth marshals declare that the fireplace started on an inside staircase of the constructing, situated on Forbell Avenue within the Cypress Hills space, in accordance with the outlet.
“When the fireplace first began, individuals speculated it was him,” one resident mentioned. “I simply see him normally simply strolling round, going home to accommodate to the homes that he owns, however I’m simply shocked that he received arrested.”
Eight individuals had been mentioned to be on the premises when the fireplace was began, inflicting two adults to leap from the roof of the constructing whereas first responders and neighbors rescued six youngsters.
Islam was allegedly found on video by fireplace marshals who declare the person wore a hooded sweatshirt and a masks when he arrived to begin the fireplace, Fox 59 studies. Earlier than the fireplace, Islam threatened to show off the tenant’s gasoline and electrical energy, in addition to allegedly mentioned burning the constructing down.
“Marshals spent 4 weeks conducting an in depth video canvas to confirm the suspect’s id, earlier than lastly discovering a picture of Islam together with his hood and masks down,” the Hearth Division of the Metropolis of New York mentioned.
Islam was arrested on Oct. 26; nonetheless, this isn’t the primary time a landlord within the borough of Brooklyn has confronted penalties for a fire-related incident involving residents. Evener Leon was charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent murder, second-degree reckless engagement, and 4 counts of endangering the welfare of a kid in 2019. Eight adults and two youngsters had been trapped inside; forcing a 70-year-old resident to leap to his dying. Leon was sentenced to 6 months in jail, in accordance with the New York Each day Information.
