UP Chairman Accused of Death Threats After Assaulting Villagers in Mirzapur

A woman in Mirzapur, Tangail, has accused the Union Parishad (UP) Chairman of making death threats following an alleged assault on her and several other villagers. Basanti Sarkar of Teghari Keshab village in Mohera Union made the allegations at a press conference held at the Mirzapur Press Club on Friday. The accused chairman is Bibhas Sarkar of Mohera Union. Basanti Sarkar stated that about 40 years ago, her father Sunil Sarkar and other locals established a school for underprivileged children on their land. Although initially active, the school eventually closed, and the building is now used as a polling station during elections. Basanti Sarkar claims her father transferred 14.50 satak of land to his wife Minati Rani in 2012, who subsequently transferred it to their two daughters, Ratna Sarkar and Basanti Sarkar, in 2021. Recently, Chairman Bibhas Sarkar allegedly constructed a boundary wall around the school, blocking the family's access path and attempting to build a road over their land. When they tried to intervene on the morning of June 27, Basanti Sarkar, her husband, and daughter were reportedly beaten, with a video of the incident circulating online and reported by several media outlets. Neighbor Khushimohan Mondal stated that the chairman has occupied the land with his associates, despite a court decree, and that they are unable to access their property. Chairman Bibhas Sarkar has denied all allegations, claiming ownership of the school land through a land exchange (EOJ) and stating he has not encountered the accusers. The complainants, however, assert they are unaware of any land exchange and continue to pay land taxes according to government regulations. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Mirzapur Police Station, Abdullah Al Mamun, confirmed that police are taking necessary action based on Basanti Sarkar's complaint.