A betel leaf farmer in Maheshkhali, Cox’s Bazar, has alleged that toxic chemicals were used to destroy his betel leaf garden, causing losses of Tk 4 lakh and jeopardising an expected income of around Tk 10 lakh.
The incident reportedly took place late on October 27 at the garden of Manjur Baburchi in Sonapara village of Kalarmarchhara Union, Maheshkhali.
Manjur alleged that the attack was motivated by previous enmity. He claimed that his former wife, Shamsunnahar, also known as Kajol, was behind the incident, although the allegation has not been independently verified.
According to a written complaint filed with Maheshkhali Police Station, Manjur had invested Tk 4 lakh, borrowed from others, to establish the garden in the hope of earning a substantial income.
He said the entire investment was ruined overnight after toxic chemicals were applied to the betel leaf plants.
Local residents gathered at the garden after learning about the incident on the morning of October 28. Some were seen pouring water over the plants in an attempt to wash away the chemicals.
Manjur alleged that he had faced repeated disputes with his former wife over money and that she had threatened him by phone after their divorce. He said he later remarried, following which his former wife filed a case against him in court.
He further alleged that the latest incident was linked to their previous disputes and demanded compensation and legal action over the damage.
Efforts to contact Shamsunnahar for her comments were unsuccessful as her mobile phone was switched off.
Former union parishad member Sharif and other local residents visited the damaged garden and expressed their sorrow over the incident.
Maheshkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abdus Sultan confirmed receiving a written complaint from Manjur. He said the police would look into the matter and take appropriate action.
Police have yet to establish who was responsible for the alleged chemical attack.
