An allegation against the Rajahar Union Chairman Rafiqul Islam, and his brothers has once again surfaced for an attack on the Santal community over a land dispute in Gaibandha's Gobindaganj Upazila.
On August 15, when the Santal community tried to plant paddy on a disputed piece of land, Rafiqul allegedly attacked them again.
Zoom Out: Rafiqul has been accused of land grabbing and attacking the community by Santal members before.
- On 3 January this year, a Santal woman named Philimona Hasda (55) from Birat Adivasi village was allegedly beaten by Rafiqul.
- He was also accused of setting fire to Philimona Haldar's house.
- The police arrested Rafiqul Islam after the incident, before he secured bail.
- Rafiqul was also expelled from his position as a member of the Upazila BNP.
Zoom out: After 15 August's incident, Shyambala Hembram, who was injured in the attack, filed a complaint at Gobindaganj Police Station against 15 individuals.
- Shyambala Hembram and her grandson Jayanta Hasda are currently receiving medical treatment in Gobindaganj Upazila, while her son Bishwanath Saren, is at Rangpur Medical College Hospital with a serious head injury.
What has been said
- "My father Hopna Hembram and his elder brother Nado Hembram own over three acres of land, which has been illegally occupied through forged documents by Chairman Rafiqul's father, Hekim Mondal, and his sons," Shyambala said.
- "It was proven on 7 December, 2023, that Rafiqul and his brothers had been illegally occupying two acres of land through forged documents when the Additional District Commissioner [Revenue] of Gaibandha filed a case in court. They have been trying to cultivate paddy on this land but have faced various obstacles since then. This year, when they attempted to grow Boro paddy, their irrigation was deliberately cut off."
- Rafiqul Islam's younger brother Mezbail Islam has said: "This land was taken by my father, Hakim Mondal, from Hopna Hembram 35 years ago. Since then, we have been cultivating it and making a living. We possess all the legal documents regarding the ownership of this land and have submitted them in court.
- "On the 15th, I suddenly heard that the Santals were planting paddy on our land. Then the three of us brothers went to stop them, but they did not listen to us. Later, a scuffle and physical confrontation occurred. During this, my brother Shafiqul Islam sustained a head injury and was admitted to the hospital."
- Rafiqul Islam could not be reached for comments.
What police say: Police have said the matter is being investigated.
Bulbul Islam, officer-in-charge (OC) of Gobindaganj Police Station, said: "The Santals have submitted a complaint at the police station and the matter is under investigation. Appropriate action will be taken once the investigation is done."
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