RANGAMATI, Aug 02 (V7N) — Members of the Parbatya Chattogram Chhatra Parishad (PCCP) staged a human chain and protest rally in Rangamati on Saturday, demanding the arrest of those responsible for the destruction of a commercial papaya farm that was allegedly targeted over an extortion demand.
The demonstration was held at the Banarupa CNG Station area in Rangamati town, where PCCP leaders and activists were joined by representatives of several social and political organisations.
Protesters alleged that farmer Khalilur Rahman suffered heavy losses after hundreds of fruit-bearing papaya trees on his leased farmland were cut down by unidentified attackers. They claimed the incident occurred after the farmer refused to comply with an alleged demand for money. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Addressing the gathering, the farmer said he had invested several years of work in developing the orchard and appealed to the authorities for justice. He also claimed he had received threats following the incident.
Speakers at the rally called for a prompt and impartial investigation, the arrest of those responsible, and appropriate compensation for the affected farmer. They also urged stronger law enforcement measures to address extortion and criminal activities in the Chattogram Hill Tracts.
Police said the victim filed a case on Friday night and confirmed that an investigation is underway. Authorities said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
