Allegations of assault, vandalism of a homestead, looting, and death threats have been raised against opponents over a land dispute in Atgharia, Pabna. Victims have reported the looting of Tk 8 to 10 lakh in cash, gold ornaments, and the felling of trees during the attack.
Sekendar Ali, Rafiqul Islam (Omi), and Mst. Lovely Khatun were reportedly injured in the attack.
On Saturday (October 31), a man named Md. Sekendar Ali (61) filed a General Diary (GD) at the Atgharia police station. The GD accuses four individuals: Md. Habibur Rahman Habib (40), Md. Zahid (38), Md. Yunus Ali (62), and Md. Bellal Hossain (42), all residents of Radhakantapur village.
According to the GD, Sekendar Ali had a long-standing dispute over land with the accused. Following this, around 11:45 AM on Saturday, the accused allegedly forcibly occupied 2.5 decimals of his purchased homestead land in Radhakantapur mouza and enclosed it with tin fencing.
When Sekendar Ali went to the spot upon receiving the news and tried to stop them, the accused pounced on him. The GD states that he was beaten, punched, and kicked indiscriminately.
Read next Garment Workers Block Highway in Kaliakair, Gazipur Demanding a Minimum Monthly Wage of Tk 30,000At one point, vandalism and looting were carried out at his homestead. The victims alleged that approximately Tk 8 to 10 lakh in cash and gold ornaments were taken, alongside the felling and removal of trees.
Sekendar Ali said, "We have had a long-standing land dispute with the accused. Building on that, they forcibly occupied my purchased land and fenced it with tin. When I tried to stop them, they attacked and beat me. They vandalized and looted my home, taking Tk 8 to 10 lakh in cash and gold ornaments, and cut down trees. I, along with several family members, was injured. I demand a proper investigation, recovery of the looted items, and legal action against the accused."
Sekendar Ali, Rafiqul Islam (Omi), and Mst. Lovely Khatun were injured in the incident. Furthermore, Sekendar Ali mentioned in the GD that the vandalism caused a loss of approximately Tk 50,000 to the homestead.
According to the GD, when local residents—including Md. Nokimuddin (80), Md. Abdul Barik (65), and Md. Fahim Hossain (22)—rushed to the scene hearing their cries, the accused left the area while issuing various threats and death threats.
Following the GD, police inspected the scene. Atgharia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Shafiquzzaman Sarkar said, "Following the complaint, police visited the spot. The matter is being investigated. Necessary legal action will be taken if the allegations are proven true." The GD specifies the land's mouza as Radhakantapur, JL number 58, RS khatian number 98, and current dag number 105.
However, statements from the accused could not be obtained. Their statements will be published once available.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Masud Rana, Atgharia (Pabna) Correspondent • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
