Rajshahi, Sept 23 (V7N) – A widow in Tanore, Rajshahi, has alleged that her brother-in-law and two others cut down fruit trees around her homestead after she was forced to leave the property with her children amid alleged harassment, threats and intimidation.

The incident reportedly took place on Saturday afternoon in Gokul area of Ward No. 2 of Tanore Municipality.

The woman, Rehena Begum, filed a written complaint with Tanore Police Station on Saturday evening, naming her brother-in-law Abdul Matin Kabiraj, 45, and two others as accused.

According to the complaint, police and local sources, Rehena’s late husband, Abdul Latif, had built a permanent house on a 20-decimal plot in Gokul Mouza, including five decimals purchased in Rehena’s name and another 15 decimals that Latif allegedly received through a family arrangement with his brothers.

The couple had lived there with their children and planted various fruit trees, including mango, jackfruit and drumstick trees, in front of the house.

Latif died about three years ago. Rehena alleged that following his death, her younger brother-in-law, Matin, began attempting to take control of the homestead.

She further alleged that Matin repeatedly banged on the doors and windows of the house at night, verbally abused her and threatened to kill her. She also alleged that the only electric water pump at the house was forcibly removed.

Rehena said she had previously informed relatives, a local ward councillor and other residents about the alleged incidents and had also filed a complaint with police, but the dispute was not resolved.

Fearing for her safety, she said she was eventually forced to leave the homestead with her son and daughter about a year ago and rent a house in Tanore town.

“I have been subjected to severe harassment by Matin since my husband’s death,” Rehena said. “He threatened me and attacked the house at night. I left my home with my daughter, who is studying for a master’s degree, and my son, who is an honours student, because I feared for our lives.”

She alleged that she continued to visit the property during the day to look after the homestead and trees, but Matin and his associates recently cut down the mango, jackfruit and drumstick trees.

“I want a fair investigation, justice and security for my life,” she said.

When contacted for comment, Abdul Matin Kabiraj declined to speak to the media.

Tanore Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mahmudul Hasan confirmed receiving a written complaint. He said police were investigating the allegations and would take necessary legal action based on the findings.

END/MRA/SMA/