A land dispute in Sharankhola upazila of Bagerhat reportedly escalated into an attack on a Hindu family’s home, during which the house was vandalised and valuables were allegedly looted. Five women from the family were injured and later admitted to the Sharankhola Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
The family’s head, Rabindranath Dhali, 46, filed a case with Sharankhola Police Station on Tuesday in connection with the incident, which took place on Monday. Police have arrested two people named in the case, and they were sent to jail through the court on Tuesday.
The injured women were identified as Rabindranath’s wife Sima Rani, 35; his mother Dulali Rani, 70; his maternal grandmother Belka Rani, 90; and his two maternal aunts, Bimala Rani, 60, and Lila Rani, 65.
The two arrested suspects were identified as Raju Sikder of Uttar Rajapur village and Naim of Rajair village.
According to Rabindranath Dhali, the attack was linked to a long-running dispute over land. He alleged that the attackers vandalised the house and took cash, gold jewellery, land documents and other valuable papers. He said his elderly mother and grandmother were seriously injured, while his wife and two aunts also sustained injuries.
Local sources and police said Rabindranath Dhali, from the Ratia Rajapur area of Sharankhola, and his neighbour Sobhan Howlader have been involved in a long-standing dispute over land. The issue has reportedly been taken to local mediation several times, while the two families have also had previous arguments over the property.
Rabindranath said he purchased the disputed land from his maternal grandfather in 1999 and built his home there. However, he claimed that the land was not recorded in his name during the latest survey. According to him, the neighboring family claims ownership of around 13 decimals of land where his home stands and has allegedly attempted to evict them.
He said the matter is now before the court in a case seeking correction of the land records. He also alleged that the opposing side had previously cut down trees on the property and attempted to take control of the land.
Rabindranath alleged that more than 100 people, including outsiders, arrived at the property on Monday and began vandalising the house. He said doors, windows and fencing were damaged and parts of the tin roof were removed. He further alleged that valuable belongings were taken before the group left the area.
“I want a fair investigation and justice,” Rabindranath said.
However, Sobhan Howlader and his son Miraj Howlader denied the allegations of attacking the family’s home. They claimed that the disputed land was legally purchased by them and alleged that the opposing side had been occupying their property by force for a long time. They said they were now being harassed through false allegations.
Sharankhola Police Station Officer-in-Charge Shaminul Haque said the incident stemmed primarily from the ongoing land dispute. He said a case had been filed against 26 named individuals and another 25 to 30 unidentified people.
Police have so far arrested two named accused in the case, while an operation is underway to arrest the remaining suspects.
