A businessman in Mirsarai, Chattogram, has alleged that he was attacked with intent to kill due to his refusal to pay extortion money. The victim, Mohammad Shahidul Islam (51), is a resident of Baroiya village in Karerhat Union of the upazila.

On Wednesday at 4 PM, Shahidul Islam held a press conference at Park Inn Restaurant in Mirsarai municipal area, where he stated, “A criminal group attacked me twice with the intention of killing me because I refused to pay extortion.”

In connection with the attack, a case has been filed at Jorarganj Police Station naming 10 individuals including Ala Uddin, Sakhawat Hossain, Zahir Uddin Babul, and Rezaul Karim Hoksab. Several unidentified persons were also listed as accused.

The charges have been filed under Penal Code sections 143 (unlawful assembly), 447 (criminal trespass), 307 (attempt to murder), 326 (grievous hurt), 386 (extortion), 506(2) (criminal intimidation), 34 (common intention), and Arms Act sections 19(f) and 19A.

According to Shahidul’s statement, he was attacked on two separate occasions — on March 26 and April 14.

On March 26, he claimed the accused were beating his nephew in the morning. When he intervened, they allegedly beat him with iron rods.

Then, on April 14, while on his way to Karerhat Bazaar in the morning, he was intercepted and demanded 40,000 taka in extortion. When he refused, he was struck on the forehead with a sharp earth-cutting spade. Later, a group of assailants, armed with local weapons and firearms, attacked his house, vandalizing his TV, refrigerator, and other furniture.

Shahidul claims the attack caused losses amounting to around 7 lakh taka. The complaint also states that he and his family have been receiving death threats.

In response, one of the accused, Ala Uddin, denied involvement in the attack and claimed,
“Shahidul assaulted me when I asked for money he owed me. Now he's falsely accusing me and others.”

Jorarganj Police Station’s Officer-in-Charge, Sabbir Mohammad Selim, confirmed the complaint and stated, we hse received the allegation and will conduct a thorough investigation to take appropriate action against those involved.”