A case has been filed against a local BNP leader and five others over the alleged torture of a housewife who was reportedly tied to a tree and assaulted in Mahadebpur Upazila of Naogaon following her participation in a human chain protest.
The case was lodged with Mahadebpur Police Station on Saturday by the victim, Hasina Khatun, wife of Ahad Ali of Mohishbathan Sardarpara village.
Among the accused are Mahadebpur Upazila BNP General Secretary and former Hatur Union Parishad chairman Abdul Matin Mondol, his brother-in-law, the brother-in-law’s wife and three others.
Police said no arrests had been made as of Saturday evening.
Confirming the case, Mahadebpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge Omar Faruk said charges had been filed under multiple sections of the Penal Code, including unlawful assembly, trespass, assault, attempted murder, outraging the modesty of a woman, extortion and criminal intimidation.
“Efforts are underway to arrest the accused,” he said.
According to the case statement, Hasina Khatun had long been involved in a dispute with the accused over land ownership, with a related case currently pending before a court.
The complaint alleges that on Thursday, Hasina spoke at a human chain programme held at Gahali Bazar, where she accused Abdul Matin of land grabbing and physical assault.
The following morning, the accused allegedly forced entry into her home by breaking down the door and assaulted both Hasina and her husband.
The complaint further alleges that the attackers later tied Hasina to a nearby coconut tree and smeared chilli powder on her body. It also claims that Abdul Matin demanded Tk2 lakh from her during the incident.
According to the case, Hasina’s daughter, Hafeza Khatun, later informed police, who rushed to the scene and rescued Hasina and her husband.
The couple were subsequently admitted to Mahadebpur Upazila Health Complex for treatment.
Police said an investigation into the allegations is ongoing.
