Kanthalia, Jhalakathi, June 15 (V7N) – An allegation of vandalism, robbery, and a severe assault has been filed in Kanthalia, Jhalakathi, where the wife of a Union Parishad (UP) member was reportedly thrown into a fire after filming a vandalism incident on her mobile phone. The victim, Salma Akhter (36), sustained burns to various parts of her body, including her face, and is currently undergoing advanced treatment in the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon, June 13, in the Patikhalghata Bazar area of Kanthalia upazila. Salma Akhter was initially admitted to the Upazila Health Complex (AMUA) and, due to her deteriorating condition, was transferred to Barisal Sherai-Bangla Medical College (Shebachim) Hospital before being sent to Dhaka Medical College that same night.

On Saturday, June 14, Salma Akhter's husband, Md. Iyad Hossain, a UP member for ward 5 of Patikhalghata Union, filed a written complaint with the police station. The complaint accuses six individuals, including Al-Amin Sikder, and 14-15 other unidentified people.

According to the complaint, UP member Yad Hossain has a long-standing land dispute with Alaamin Sikder of Patikhalghata village. The dispute escalated recently when the UP member constructed a veranda in front of his house, leading to an argument between the two parties. Yad Hossain had previously filed a written complaint with the police station on Wednesday, June 11, regarding the dispute.

The current complaint alleges that, angered by this prior complaint, Alaamin Sikder and his associates vandalized the veranda in front of Yad member's house and then set it on fire with petrol around 12:30 PM on Friday, June 13. When Salma Akhter attempted to record the vandalism on her mobile phone, she was reportedly beaten, had her gold chain snatched from her neck, and was subsequently thrown into the fire.

However, Al-Amin Sikder has denied these allegations, claiming that they were in fact attacked by the UP member's side. He stated that the Yad member forcibly built a house on their land, leading to a confrontation where two of his associates, Shahjalal and Oliullah, were injured and admitted to the Upazila Health Complex (AMUA).

Kanthalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Mongchenla confirmed that both parties have filed written complaints. An investigation into the incident is underway, and legal action is being pursued.

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