Land grabbers give death threat to Hindu family

A Hindu family is now facing death threat, after losing their seven decimals of land to illegal occupiers at Fakirertoki Balapara village in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila on January 29.

The victim, Dinonath Chandra Barmon, 57, of the village, said his son Khagendra Chandra Barmon purchased the land and decided to build a house there.

“Our neighbour Manju Miah and his men backed by local Union Parishad member Sirazul Islam pressed us to sell the land. As we didn't agree, they demand Tk 50 thousand but we declined to pay any illegal toll,” he said.

“Sirazul Islam, Manju Miah and their men holding sharp weapons, iron rods and sticks occupied our land, looted bamboos and built a tin-shed in broad daylight on January 29. A case was lodged on February 1,” he said.

The investigation officer of the case, Sub-Inspector Mainul Islam of Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Station, said he submitted charge sheet accusing five people including Sirazul Islam, Manju Miah with the court on May 4.

“Without court order, it is not possible to free the land and demolish the illegal structure. If the Hindu family members get threat further, police will take stern action,” he said.

Dinonath Chandra said, “After failing to recover the land with the help of police, I submitted application to the deputy commissioner DC, UNO and AC (Land) on Sunday. I don't have the ability to continue legal battle for the land.”

Lalmonirhat DC Shafiul Arif said he will take necessary steps to recover the land owned by the Hindu family as soon as possible.