Rajapur, Jhalakathi, Mar 28 (V7N)– A businessman in Rajapur, Jhalakathi, has accused a man named Md. Imam Hossain of assaulting his younger brother, locking his shop, and stealing cash and goods over a disputed debt.

"A man named Md. Imam Hossain has been accused of beating up a businessman and locking his shop in Rajapur, Jhalakathi, over demands for money owed to him," a local police official confirmed.

According to the victim, Md. Niyamul Islam, he has been operating a grocery shop in Khairhat Bazar, Galua Union, for an extended period. The dispute stems from a debt of 10,970 taka owed by Imam Hossain.

"According to local sources and written complaints, Md. Niyamul Islam has been running a grocery shop in Khairhat Bazar of Galua Union of Rajapur Upazila for a long time. On August 27, 2022, he started the business by renting a shop for five years. Md. Imam Hossain used to buy products from the shop regularly. Gradually, he was left with 10,970 taka. When he asked for the money he owed, he first made excuses, then started threatening. At one stage, he refused to pay the money and asked him to leave the shop," a local business owner reported.

Niyamul Islam alleges that Imam Hossain not only refused to pay the debt but also assaulted his younger brother and stole 85,000 taka and goods from his shop before locking it.

"Victim Niyamul Islam said, 'Imam Hossain used to regularly take goods from my shop in arrears. When he asked for the money owed, he gave various excuses. He promised to give the money later, but did not pay it. On the contrary, when I asked for money, he intimidated me in various ways. Finally, he beat up my younger brother, took 85,000 taka and goods from the shop's cash and locked the shop and left. The money to buy goods for Eid was kept in the shop," Niyamul Islam stated.

Accused Md. Imam Hossain denies the allegations of assault and theft, admitting only to an outstanding balance.

"Accused Md. Imam Hossain denied the allegations and said, 'I did not take any money or goods. The incident of beating is also not true. This is a completely false allegation. However, some money was taken from his shop as a balance, which was not paid,'" Imam Hossain reported.

Rajapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Ismail Hossain confirmed that a complaint has been received and that an investigation will be conducted.

"Rajapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Ismail Hossain said, 'We have received the complaint. Legal action will be taken against the culprits after investigation,'" OC Hossain confirmed.

The incident has caused significant unrest among local business owners and residents. Victim Niyamul Islam is demanding justice and the return of his stolen money and goods.

END/AIJ/RH/