In a disturbing incident in Moulvibazar’s Kulaura upazila, more than a thousand betel trees were maliciously felled in a remote Khasi settlement, raising alarm among local communities. The targeted farm belongs to a Khasi farmer named Ananta, situated in Ichachhora—a punji, the local term for Khasi villages where traditional betel cultivation serves as the main livelihood.
According to Ananta and other residents, Ichachhora comprises 46 Khasi families, each with its own plot of betel cultivation on the hilly terrain. On Sunday morning, Ananta discovered that over a thousand of his betel trees had been cut at the base, leaving him with severe economic loss. He immediately informed fellow villagers and a local Union Parishad member before filing a formal complaint with Kulaura Police Station that evening.
The complaint notes that the vandalism most likely occurred late on Saturday night. Ananta estimates his financial loss at around 250,000 Bangladeshi taka. “I have no personal disputes with anyone in the area. I cannot understand why someone would do this,” he stated, expressing both frustration and confusion.
Jamal Marlia, the assistant chief of the punji, emphasised that such acts have become an unsettling pattern. “For several years, incidents of this nature have occurred sporadically. We do not know who is behind them or what their motives are. We hope the police investigation will clarify the circumstances,” he said.
Kulaura Police Station’s investigating officer, Sub-Inspector Mostafizur Rahman, confirmed receipt of Ananta’s complaint. “The complaint has been lodged. We will investigate thoroughly and take the necessary legal measures,” he stated.
This incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of Khasi farmers’ livelihoods, particularly in remote areas where agricultural lands are exposed to criminal activity. Local leaders and residents are calling for strengthened security measures to prevent similar destruction in the future.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Ichachhora punji, Kulaura, Moulvibazar |
| Affected Farmer | Ananta |
| Betel Trees Destroyed | Over 1,000 |
| Estimated Loss | 250,000 BDT |
| Khasi Families in Village | 46 |
| Date of Discovery | Sunday morning |
| Suspected Time of Incident | Late Saturday night |
| Police Action | Complaint filed; investigation underway |
Authorities stress that the case is under investigation, and the community awaits clarity on who carried out this deliberate destruction of property. Meanwhile, villagers are urging greater vigilance to protect their agricultural resources and traditional livelihoods.