Neela Rani (44), a resident of Monipur village in Dinajpur’s Bochaganj upazila, remains hospitalized after being brutally assaulted by several neighbors allegedly over longstanding disputes.
She sustained severe injuries, including a deep gash above her left eye requiring five stitches, a broken tooth, and multiple bruises across her body. She is currently receiving treatment at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital.
The incident occurred last Wednesday evening near the Monipur mosque when four men intercepted and attacked her.
According to the case filed later that day by her son at Bochaganj Police Station, the accused — Babul Islam (55), a former union parishad member, along with Shariful Islam (40), Tarikul Islam (42), and Munna Islam — initially assaulted Neela outside her home. When Neela and her son tried to go to the police station, they were attacked again with sticks and sharp weapons.
The police arrested Babul Islam the same night, but he was later granted bail by the court following a hearing. A video of the assault circulated widely on social media, prompting public outrage.
On Saturday, residents of Bochaganj held a human chain protest outside the Dinajpur Press Club under the banner of “Conscious Citizens.”
Protesters including Bidhan Dutta, Biplob Kumar Sinha, Uttam Kumar, and Sreekanto Roy demanded justice and the immediate arrest of all attackers. They alleged that Neela was targeted with intent to kill and that her family is now facing threats and pressure to leave the area.
Neela’s eldest son, Hriday Chandra, stated that the attack stemmed from a financial dispute with a neighbor, Shefali Rani, who had taken the matter to Babul Islam for arbitration. When no union officials attended the informal mediation, Babul reportedly grew angry. The assault occurred shortly afterward.
Bochaganj police chief Hasan Zahid Sarkar confirmed that the case was filed under multiple charges including Section 307 (attempt to murder), and that arrest efforts are ongoing.
Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Maruf Hasan said he was alerted through social media and has directed law enforcement to take prompt action. A two-member inquiry committee led by the assistant commissioner (land) has been formed to investigate the incident, which may have links to a land dispute.
