KANTHALIA (JHALAKATHI), March 5, (V7N) — A farmer in Baltola village, located in the Sauljalia Union of Kathalia Upazila, has suffered a devastating loss after miscreants allegedly hacked down more than a hundred of his banana trees on Wednesday afternoon.

The victim, Himanshu Mistry, reported that the incident was an act of retaliation. According to Himanshu, the trouble began earlier on Wednesday when local individuals identified as Fahad and Suman, along with their associates, allegedly stole five bunches of bananas from his orchard. Upon learning of the theft, Himanshu managed to recover the stolen fruit.

Enraged by the recovery, the group reportedly returned to the field later that afternoon and systematically destroyed the entire plantation, cutting down over a hundred trees, many of which were bearing fruit and nearing harvest.

Attempts to contact Fahad and Suman for comment were unsuccessful as their mobile phones remained switched off following the incident.

OC Abu Naser Raihan of Kathalia Police Station, who has recently been credited with improving the local law and order situation, confirmed he had been informed of the agricultural sabotage. "I have heard that a farmer's banana trees were cut down," the OC stated. "We will investigate the matter and take firm legal action once a written complaint is formally lodged."

Local agricultural officers noted that such acts of "crop enmity" significantly impact the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, especially during the month of Ramadan when demand for local produce is high.

END/AIJ/RH/