Criminals fell 400 banana plants

Criminals felled at least 400 banana plants at an orchard at Madhabpara village in Sadar upazila of Joypurhat district on Wednesday.

Affected orchard owner Shajahan Ali filed a  complaint with Sadar Police Station in this connection.

"A gang of 20 entered the orchard on Wednesday night and cut down the plants. On information, I rushed to the spot, but the criminals managed to flee, sensing my presence," said Shajahan.

"Four days ago, I stopped a group of local youths from collecting the banana leaves from my orchard," said the victim, adding that before leaving the spot, they threatened him to take revenge in this regard.

He claimed that the loss caused by the heinous act could go up to Tk 3.5 lakh.