In Patuakhali, the businessman was beaten up for not getting ‘Boishakhi Chanda’, allegations were made against the leader of the fishermen’s group.

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In Patuakhali town, a shop was attacked and a trader was beaten and hacked for non-payment. The incident took place at the market owned by the district police near Sadar police station on Tuesday afternoon. The victim complained that some people, including two leaders of the local fishermen’s group, were involved in the incident.

The injured businessman Khokon Mallik (44) has been admitted to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital. He said that the district police rented a shop in the club market and sold chicken. Babul Ghazi (45), Joint General Secretary of District Fishermen’s Party, Shamim (38), Joint General Secretary of Sadar Upazila’s Fishermen’s Party, and their associates were demanding 5 lakh rupees from him by talking about Paila Baisakh celebration. He refused to pay the subscription. On Tuesday, his mobile phone was again demanded for the expenses of Baishakh celebrations. He was at the chicken shop yesterday around 12 noon. At that time 10 to 12 people including Babul Gazi, Shamim attacked and vandalized his shop. Babul Gazi also hit him on the hand with a chapati along with Elopatadi kick.

Khokon Mallik alleged that the men attacked his drug shop in the municipal Newmarket near Sadar police station on the afternoon of August 5, 2024, demanding extortion. Since then, 7 to 8 lakh rupees have been collected from him in the name of party programs and personal work at various times. Considering the safety of himself and his family, he was forced to pay the subscription and kept the matter a secret.

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Denying these allegations, Babul Ghazi (45) said that Khokon Mallik is a friend of autocracy and he sells dead chickens in the market. When protested about this, he instead attacked them, which led to a clash.

Officer-in-charge (OC) of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station. Moniruzzaman said last night that the police were sent to the spot after receiving information and the victim was advised to seek treatment. No written complaint has been received so far. Necessary legal action will be taken against those involved.