House vandalised, looted over betel price dispute
The house of betel leaf grower Nipul Bepari lies mangled at Choto Bighai village in Patuakhali Sadar upazila as Awal Gazi, another betel grower of the village, and his men attacked it following a quarrel between the two families on November 23.Photo: STAR
A betel leaf grower and his men have vandalised the house of another betel grower at Choto Bighai village in Patuakhali Sadar upazila following a quarrel with the latter's family. Locals said Abdul Awal Gazi had an altercation with betel grower Nipul Bepari of the village earlier this month as Nipul's son Liton Bepari did not pay Tk 250 he owed to Awal for selling his betel leaves to a wholesaler at a local market. Later, Liton gave him the money. A couple of days before the incident, Awal picked up a quarrel with Nipul's family, saying that Liton sold the betel leaves at a higher price and pocketed the extra money. At around 9:00am on November 23, Awal and his men stormed into the house of Nipul Bepari and his brother Nikhil Bapari. They vandalised the houses and beat up the family members and some neighbours who tried to resist the gang. At least eight people, including Nipul Bepari, were injured in the attack. The other injured are Ety Rani, 15, Shilpi Rani, 25, Shishir Bepari, 22, Nikhil Bepari, 35, Kazal Rani, 35, Jalal Pada, 47 and Salam Pada, 50. Nipul was admitted to Patuakhali General Hospital while the rest given first aid at the local hospital. Nipul Bapari filed a case with Patuakhai police station the same day, accusing Awal Gazi and nine others. Police arrested Forkan Gazi, brother of Awal Gazi, the following day. Awal and eight others are still at large. In the case statement, Nipul alleged that the gang vandalised his house, took away Tk 12,500, a gold chain and other valuables from there. Liton Bapari, son of Nipul Bepari, yesterday told journalist that Awal and his men are putting pressure on them to withdraw the case. They have asked my family to withdraw the case of face dire consequences,” he said, adding that 11 Hindu families at the village are passing their days in fear of attack by Awal and his men. Despite several attempts, this correspondent could not contact Awal Gazi as he switch off his mobile. Contacted, Sub-Inspector Abdur Rouf, also the investigation officer of the case, said they have arrested one of the accused and are looking for the nine others. After proper investigation, legal action will be taken against the persons involved, he added.
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