MA Mannan, Bhola: A woman has filed a case alleging assault, vandalism and looting over a long-standing land dispute in Bhola.

Yesterday (22 January), Rina Begum (45) alleged that she was attacked by her adversaries on Sunday (January 18) at afternoon over ownership of a piece of land. The incident reportedly took place at around 5:00 pm on plot no. 2700 under Khatian no. 366 of Paschim Joynagar, ward No. 2 of Dakshin Joynagar Union in Daulatkhan Upazila.

 Zakir Hossain, Md Kabir, Fazlur Rahman, and several unidentified others entered the land with deadly weapons as part of a pre-planned attack, as reported Rina Begum. She alleged that the accused cut down malta, banana, and papaya trees from her garden, causing losses estimated at Tk 200,000.

Rina Begum further claimed that the accused later entered her house and snatched gold ornaments worth approximately Tk 5,35,000. She alleged that she was beaten indiscriminately and struck on the head. Not only was that, her brother’s wife, Tanjila, also assaulted among others. Despite the presence of local residents, the attackers allegedly continued the assault until neighbors intervened after hearing their screams.

Deadly injured men and women of this incident were rescued in a bleeding state and admitted to Bhola Sadar Hospital.

Local residents stated that the two parties have been involved in a long-standing family dispute over the said land and the incident occurred as a result of that conflict.

However, the accused, Md Zakir Hussain, denied the allegations. Rather he claimed that both parties are relatives and have been disputing ownership of 93 decimals of land for a long time. He said the altercation began when they went to pick vegetables from the disputed land.

Zakir Hossain’s nephew, Md Kabir, alleged that an argument broke out at the land and later escalated in front of the house. He claimed that their opponent, Md Rabbi, first attempted to attack them with a stick and triggering the clash. Kabir also claimed that he was injured during this incident.

Following the incident, Rina Begum filed a case with the Bhola Chief Judicial Magistrate Court on Tuesday (January 20), naming six accused and six witnesses.