Rajapur, Jhalakathi, Mar 28 (V7N)– A dispute over tree cutting has escalated into allegations of death threats in Arua village, Baraiya union, Rajapur upazila, Jhalakathi.

"A man named Miraj Sikder has been accused of cutting down trees and threatening to kill a house in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi," a local law enforcement official confirmed.

The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, March 27, and involved a confrontation between Miraj Sikder and Oliur Rahman.

"The incident took place on Thursday (March 27) afternoon in Arua village of Baraiya union of the upazila," a village resident reported.

According to local witnesses, the dispute began when Jabbar Sikder cut a branch from a tree, leading to an argument. Later, Miraj Sikder allegedly cut down several trees on the property boundary and threatened Oliur Rahman with a crowbar.

"Citing local witnesses, it was learned that Jabbar Sikder cut a branch of a tree in the afternoon. An argument broke out between the two parties over this. Later, when the victim, Oliur Rahman, left the house, Jabbar Sikder's son Miraj Sikder came and cut down several trees on the boundary. Not only that, he also started looking for Oliur Rahman with a crowbar and allegedly threatened to kill him," a local witness stated.

Victim Md. Oliur Rahman claims that the trees were planted to mark the boundary of his long-occupied property.

"Victim Md. Aliur Rahman said, 'We have been occupying this property for a long time and had planted trees there to mark the boundary. But yesterday Miraj forcibly cut down the tree and threatened to kill me,'" Rahman reported.

Accused Miraj Sikder denies the allegations of death threats, claiming he cut down the trees because they were on his property.

"However, accused Miraj Sikder denied the allegations and said, 'I did not make any death threats. I cut down the tree because it was on our own property,'" Sikder stated.

Rajapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Ismail Hossain confirmed that no formal complaint has been filed but assured that legal action will be taken if a complaint is received.

"Rajapur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md. Ismail Hossain said, 'No written complaint has been received in this incident yet. However, if a complaint is received, legal action will be taken subject to investigation,'" OC Hossain confirmed.

The incident has caused tension among local residents, and Oliur Rahman is seeking immediate intervention and security from the administration.

"The incident has created tension among locals. Victim Oliur Rahman has demanded immediate intervention and security from the administration," a community spokesperson reported.

END/AIJ/RH/