In Kurigram’s Roumari upazila, a disturbing incident allegedly involving the public humiliation and physical assault of a woman over accusations of bitter gourd theft has sparked widespread outrage and debate across the locality.
The incident is reported to have taken place on Tuesday in the village of Banshipara under the Dantbhanga Union. According to local accounts, a farmer had been experiencing repeated losses of bitter gourd from his cultivated land over an extended period. Concerned by the alleged recurring thefts, he reportedly increased surveillance around his field.
On the day of the incident, villagers claim that a woman was caught while collecting bitter gourds from the farmland. She was allegedly detained on the spot, and a sack containing bitter gourds was recovered from her possession. The situation escalated after the matter was informed to her family members, following which her husband arrived at the scene.
What followed, according to multiple local sources, was a deeply troubling episode. The woman was allegedly tied to a tree with rope and subjected to physical assault. Several bystanders were present at the time, and while some recorded the incident on mobile phones, few intervened to stop it. The footage later circulated widely, intensifying criticism and concern within the community.
The landowner has defended his actions, stating that theft from his field had been occurring regularly and that the woman was apprehended in the act on this occasion. However, local representatives have acknowledged that while the woman was initially detained and her family informed, any form of physical violence was unacceptable and regrettable.
Law enforcement authorities have confirmed awareness of the incident. The Officer-in-Charge of Roumari Police Station stated that tying a person to a tree and assaulting them constitutes a violation of the law. He further added that appropriate legal action would be taken if a formal complaint is lodged.
The incident has since triggered mixed reactions in the area, with many residents condemning the act as inhumane and unlawful, emphasising that disputes over alleged theft should be handled through legal channels rather than vigilante action.
Incident Summary
| বিষয় | বিবরণ |
|---|---|
| Location | Banshipara village, Dantbhanga Union, Roumari upazila |
| Date | Tuesday (14 April) |
| Allegation | Theft of bitter gourd from farmland |
| Victim | Woman (approximately 41 years old) |
| Main Incident | Alleged tying to a tree and physical assault |
| Evidence | Video footage reportedly circulated locally |
| Local Reaction | Outrage and condemnation |
| Authority Response | Declared unlawful; action promised if complaint filed |
The situation remains tense in the locality as residents continue to discuss the incident. Authorities are expected to examine the matter further, with growing calls for a thorough investigation and adherence to due legal process in resolving such disputes.