families allege attacks, looting over anti-drug campaign

At least 10 houses were allegedly attacked, vandalised and looted, with more than 50 hand bombs reportedly exploded, in Madaripur Sadar upazila early Tuesday over a dispute involving alleged drug sales.

The incident took place in Ward 9 of South Dudhkhali village under Kalikapur Union at dawn, according to affected families. They estimated their losses at around Tk 20 lakh.

The families alleged that Sagar Bepari, who they claimed had been selling drugs in the area for a long time, attacked their homes with his associates after Shahadat Matubbar, the banned Awami League's youth wing Jubo League president in Kalikapur Union, and several others tried to stop him from selling drugs.

They alleged that the attackers vandalised houses, looted cash and gold ornaments, and set off explosives to spread panic in the neighbourhood.

Kalam Sardar, an expatriate who recently returned to the country, said his house was targeted during the attack. He alleged that the attackers detonated a bomb to enter his home and took more than Tk 10 lakh in cash.

Another victim, Shilpi Begum, said her son-in-law had sent Tk 2 lakh from abroad to help repay family debts. She alleged that the money, along with her daughter's gold ornaments, was stolen during the attack.

Contacted over the allegations, Sagar Bepari denied responsibility. He claimed the dispute began after his family was not invited to a wedding and alleged that the opposing side had vandalised its own homes to implicate him. He also accused the other side of being involved in criminal activities.

Officer-in-Charge of Madaripur Sadar Police Station Md Abul Kalam Azad said police had been sent to the scene after receiving information about the incident.

He said legal action would be taken if the affected families filed complaints and provided the necessary evidence.

sks