Rajshahi, May 17 (V7N) - In Bagha, Rajshahi, miscreants have felled 1,000 papaya trees on three bighas of land belonging to UP member Russell Ali. The incident occurred on Thursday night (May 15) at Khanpur field in Gargari Union.

Russell Ali, son of the late Nazrul Islam from Khanpur village, Gargari Union ward number 9, reportedly purchased the three bighas of his own land in December for Tk 40 per plot and subsequently planted 1,000 papaya trees. He invested Tk 3 lakh in their care. The papayas were scheduled for harvesting next week, with his wife Sumi Begum stating to this reporter that they were expected to sell for Tk 6 lakh. Russell Ali was arrested by the police on May 12, and this act of vandalism took place three days after his arrest.

Amirul Islam, the guard of Khanpur field, stated, "I guard the field. In the morning, upon discovering Russell Member's papaya trees had been cut down, I informed his wife. I heard they inspected the land and filed a complaint at the police station."

Russell Ali's wife, Sumi Begum, mentioned that while her husband's family supports the Awami League, he does not hold any party position himself. His cousin, Rokunuzzaman Rintu, is the president of the district Sechchhasebak League and a member of the district Awami League, who contested and lost the last upazila election. She acknowledged that it was natural for her husband to support his brother. However, as a local member, he always strives to work for the benefit of the people. She demanded that those responsible for this act be identified and brought to justice.

Russell's father-in-law, Jamir Uddin, expressed his observation that his daughter-in-law is consistently engaged in activities that benefit the community. He stated that there are no pending cases against his son-in-law, yet he was mistakenly arrested based on false information provided to the police. He further noted that three days after his son-in-law's arrest, the 1,000 papaya trees planted on three bighas of land were cut down.

Regarding the incident, Bagha Police Station OC Asaduzzaman confirmed that a complaint has been received and that legal action will be taken following an investigation.

END/RAR/RH/