Sitakunda, Jan 08, (V7N) - A local leader of the Krishak League, Mir Mohammad Yusuf, has reportedly been killed during a dispute over land in Sitakunda. Although BNP leaders initially claimed that Yusuf died of a stroke, the police have confirmed evidence of homicide following the autopsy report. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has arrested one suspect, Md. Salauddin, in connection with the case.

The deceased, Mohammad Yusuf (70), was a resident of Joramatal in Sonai Chhari, Sitakunda. He served as the Joint Convener of the Upazila krishak League and was a former president of the Sonai Chhari Union krishak league.

Family’s Allegation

According to Yusuf’s family, the murder was premeditated and stemmed from a long-standing land dispute. On November 16, a disagreement erupted over the measurement of land near Yusuf’s home. Family members allege that neighbors, including Helal Uddin, Alauddin, Abdullah Al Mamun, and Salauddin—along with several BNP activists and supporters—attacked Yusuf. They reportedly held him by the throat, pushed his face into the mud, and left him unconscious. Yusuf died at the scene.

Following the incident, Yusuf’s wife, Golstara Begum, filed a murder case at the Sitakunda Model Police Station.

BNP Denial and Protest

In response, the local BNP leaders denied the allegations, claiming that Yusuf died of a stroke. A protest meeting was organized at a community center, where Nur Uddin Mohammad Jahangir, president of Sonai Chhari Union BNP and a former Union Parishad chairman, dismissed the murder claims as false and exaggerated by the media.

Details of the Dispute

Golstara Begum explained that her family had an ongoing land dispute with the family of a local BNP leader. On the day of the incident, several BNP activists allegedly began forcibly measuring the disputed land. When Yusuf protested, he was attacked by 40–50 people, including Helal, Alauddin, Mamun, and Salauddin. After the attack, Helal reportedly fled to Kuwait.

Among the accused, Alauddin is a former member of the Sonai Chhari Union Parishad and a former president of the Ward BNP.

Police and Legal Action

SI Gour Chandra Saha of Sitakunda Model Police Station confirmed that the autopsy revealed evidence of homicide. "Yusuf did not die of a stroke. He was murdered," said Saha. RAB-7 has arrested Salauddin, the fourth accused in the case, and handed him over to the police. Authorities have applied for Salauddin’s remand to gather further information.

As the investigation continues, the victim’s family calls for justice, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the need for accountability.

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