Land grabbers demolish Rakhain graveyard

A gang of land grabbers demolished a 150-year-old graveyard of Rakhain community at Chha-Anipara in Tiakahali union under Kalapara upazila of the district on Monday.

At least 100 Rakhain people including Fathau Madbor, the then community leader, were buried at the graveyard set up 150 years ago, said Ching Damo Rakhain, son of community leader (locally called as Madbor). 

A three-foot high grave of Fathu was totally demolished with hammers, he said.

The gang also cut down all branches of an old banyan tree of the graveyard, said Ching Damo. 

He also demanded immediate legal steps against the criminals.

Lufu Master, chairman for Patuakhali Rakhain Bouddha Bihar, said a local gang continued committing such crime to grab their land.

Punitive action will be taken against those responsible for the offence after investigation, said Md Moniruzzaman, officer-in-charge of Kalapara Police Station.