Noakhali Woman Bound to Tree and Assaulted Over Poultry Theft Allegation

In a disturbing incident highlighting rural conflict and vigilante violence, a woman in her forties residing in Senbag, Noakhali, was allegedly bound to a tree, physically assaulted, and subjected to public humiliation over unsubstantiated allegations of poultry theft. Following the ordeal, the victim filed a formal complaint at the local police station, naming four individuals as primary accused. Law enforcement authorities acted promptly upon receiving the allegations, leading to the arrest of one key suspect, while operations remain underway to apprehend the remaining perpetrators.

The Incident and Viral Footage

The assault reportedly transpired on the night of Friday, 14 August. During the prolonged altercation, several bystanders captured footage using mobile devices. A 20-second video clip subsequently circulated across local messaging networks, sparking widespread public outrage.

The footage depicts the middle-aged woman tethered to a tree trunk while a group of men surrounds her to record images and video. As the victim attempts to conceal her face from the cameras, an individual steps forward to forcibly remove her veil. Moments later, another man attempts to thrust several chickens into her hands in an apparent effort to stage incriminating evidence.

Seeking formal justice, the victim convened a press conference at a local establishment on Wednesday afternoon. She stated that she had been falsely accused, physically beaten, and subjected to molestation. During her address to reporters, she demanded the immediate arrest and exemplary punishment of all individuals implicated in the attack. Conversely, a group of local residents staged a human chain and protest rally, characterizing the legal case as harassment and alleging that the theft charges were genuine.

Legal Complaint and Disputed Claims

According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged with the Senbag Police Station, the victim’s husband works abroad, leaving her living independently and sustaining her livelihood through livestock farming. The complaint asserts an ongoing land dispute between the victim and the accused parties.

At approximately 9:00 PM on Friday, whilst speaking with her daughter via mobile phone, several men forcefully breached her residence’s corrugated tin door. The intruders allegedly confiscated her mobile phone, subjected her to physical assault, and forcibly dragged her to an adjacent compound. When neighbours attempted to intervene upon hearing her cries, the assailants threatened them away. The perpetrators also allegedly robbed her of a gold chain.

The victim stated she was subsequently tied to a tree and assaulted with punches and slaps until 1:00 AM. She alleged that the group retrieved four chickens from her own homestead to frame her for theft. Furthermore, she claimed that the local Union Parishad Chairman arrived at the scene but actively sided with the aggressors.

When questioned regarding the allegations, the Union Parishad Chairman offered a contrasting account, claiming that the woman had admitted to the theft upon his arrival and that 45 chickens were recovered from her residence and returned to a local farm owner. He added that the woman visited his residence around 1:00 AM alongside relatives to report the assault and announce her intention to seek legal redress.

Confirming the administrative response, Senbag Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdur Rahim confirmed that preliminary investigations verified the authenticity of the circulated video footage. A formal case has been registered under the Prevention of Oppression Against Women and Children Act. Police operations continue across the district to secure the remaining suspects.