Rajapur, Jan 06 (V7N) - A farmer in Rajapur upazila of Jhalokathi has filed a written complaint with the local police alleging that over 200 trees on his land were cut in an attempt to seize his property. The incident reportedly occurred on January 1 on approximately 55% of the land owned by Farukh Khalifa in Algi village. The affected trees include peanut, amra, banana, mango, papaya, lotkon, areca nut, mahogany, chamble, and serech, resulting in estimated damages of around Tk 40,000.

The accused are identified as Salam Khalifa, his wife Kursia Begum, daughters Salma Begum and Tania Begum, and his grandson Abdur Rahman, all residents of the same village. According to the complaint, they, with the help of Kabir, Zakir, Mohsin, and Tahsin, attempted to forcibly occupy the land.

Sohel Khalifa, the complainant, further stated that when he protested the cutting of the trees, the accused physically assaulted him, leaving bruises on various parts of his body. Local residents intervened after hearing his cries, but the accused fled the scene after threatening Sohel and his family with death. The family is reportedly living in fear due to ongoing threats.

In response, the accused Abdus Salam Khalifa denied the allegations over the phone, saying, “Neither I nor any member of my family cut the trees. The claims against us are completely false and maliciously motivated.”

Sub-Inspector Daud Hossain of Rajapur Police Station confirmed that a written complaint has been filed by Sohel Khalifa. He added that the site has been inspected, and both parties have been spoken to. The matter has been reported to the Officer-in-Charge of the police station, and legal action will be taken following the investigation.

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