A farmer in Satkhira has been accused of poisoning 108 pigeons to stop them from entering his mustard field, prompting a police investigation. The birds’ owner filed a complaint as locals condemned the mass killing and the accused went into hiding.
Police in southwestern Satkhira have launched an investigation after a farmer allegedly poisoned 108 pigeons to stop them from entering his mustard field, prompting the birds’ owner to file a complaint, officials said Wednesday.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon near Padmashakhra Football Field in Satkhira Sadar Upazila. The owner, Raihan Kabir, said the birds, worth an estimated Tk150,000, were found dead in and around the field.
Kabir, who runs a farm of more than 300 pigeons near the area, accused local farmer Ismail Gazi, 32, of mixing poison into his mustard crop out of “jealousy and anger” over the pigeons straying into his land. Two to three unnamed individuals were also implicated in the written complaint submitted to Sadar Police Station.
Local residents alerted Kabir after noticing the birds dying in large numbers. “When I reached the spot, 108 of my pigeons were already dead,” Kabir told reporters.
Police visited Gazi’s house on Tuesday but did not find him there. Neighbours said he fled after learning that the complaint had been filed. They alleged he had poisoned the mustard field, knowing the pigeons often wandered there.
Sahab Ali, a member of Bhomra Union Parishad’s Ward 3, confirmed the incident and said police had asked him to help contact the accused, who remained in hiding.
Sadar Police Station officer-in-charge Shaminul Haque said officers had inspected the scene. “We are verifying the information. Legal action will be taken based on our findings,” he said.
The killing of the pigeons has sparked anger among locals, who called for action against those responsible.
