Five men have been charged in connection with a violent attack on a bus in Tallaght, Dublin, during which a 15-year-old boy was allegedly beaten with metal bars. The shocking incident took place on February 29, 2024, on a bus at the car park of The Square Shopping Centre in Tallaght, Dublin 24.

Violent Incident on the Bus

The alleged attack occurred around 9:30 pm when the bus was leaving the car park. CCTV footage, played in Tallaght District Court, showed two of the accused boarding the bus and proceeding to the top deck, where one allegedly initiated the assault while another joined in, repeatedly striking the teenager with metal bars.

Another accused man is alleged to have remained outside the bus for the duration of the incident. The footage was described in court as showing the boy being “relentlessly” beaten, with Judge Patricia McNamara remarking that it was “very fortunate that the young man was able to stand after the beating.”

Charges and Court Proceedings

The five men charged with violent disorder under the Public Order Act are:

• Rasel Chowdhury (42), of Devoy Quarter, Naas, Co Kildare
• Gao Jiansheng (44), of Belgard Square West, Tallaght, Dublin 24
• Shafiulla Shafiulla (40), of Cookstown Way, Dublin 24
• Kamrul Islam (43), of The Court, Westfield, Lucan, Dublin 22
• Md Imrul Mahamud (27), of St Alphonsus Road Upper, Drumcondra, Dublin 9

The charge alleges that the group, acting together, used or threatened unlawful violence in a way that would cause a person to fear for their safety.

Judge Refuses Jurisdiction

Judge McNamara, after viewing the disturbing CCTV footage, concluded that the severity of the attack made it inappropriate for the District Court to hear the case, stating:
“It’s very fortunate that the young man was able to stand after the beating.”

She allowed 12 weeks for prosecutors to prepare the Book of Evidence and remanded the accused on bail until June 19.

Investigation Challenges

Investigating Garda Sarah Cullinan informed the court that despite multiple attempts to contact the victim, he has refused to engage with the authorities, leaving them without a medical report detailing his injuries.

Community Reaction

The attack has shocked the Tallaght community, with residents expressing concern about youth safety on public transport. Social media reactions have called for increased security on buses and harsher penalties for those involved in such violent acts.

The accused remain on bail as the investigation continues. Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact Tallaght Garda Station or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.