A local BNP leader and his associates have been accused of publicly assaulting four people, including two women, in Gabua village of Kakrabunia Union under Mirzaganj upazila, Patuakhali. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday afternoon during a dispute over cutting tree branches. The victims—Samir Chandra Halder, his wife Sabita Rani, their daughter Jhilik Rani, and Jhilik’s four-year-old son Piyas—were seriously injured and later admitted to the upazila health complex. A written complaint naming five individuals was filed at Mirzaganj Police Station by Sabita Rani on Monday.

According to police, the accused is Mojibur Rahman, vice president of the upazila BNP and former member of the 9th ward of Kakrabunia Union Parishad. The dispute stemmed from a long-standing land conflict between Samir Chandra Halder and his brother Shankar Halder. Witnesses said Mojibur Rahman allegedly sided with Shankar’s group and attacked Samir’s family with tree branches.

Mojibur Rahman denied the allegations, claiming he was called to mediate the dispute and that both sides were injured in the clash. Police confirmed receiving the complaint and said an investigation is underway.