Nilphamari Correspondent :Miscreants killed 1500 chickens worth about Tk 5 lakh with poison in a poultry farm at Tupamari Fakirpara village of Sadar Upazila on Wednesday night and the farm owner blamed that the act was committed by his opponent also neighbour with whom he had rivalry over a piece of land.Locals informed that small farmer Azizul Islam (47) of the village set up a poultry farm beside his house one year ago by taking loan from Rajshahi krishi unnayan bank.There were altogether 1500 chickens of layer variety in the farm and some of which started laying eggs and by selling them Azizul managed to repay first installment of the loan money few days before, informed locals.Farm owner Azizul informed that getting up from bed in morning today (15 Jan), he went to the farm to feed the chickens but found that all were dead as someone mixed poison with poultry feed last night.He also said that he suspected his neighbour Bodrul Ali (45) for committing this heinous act as he had rivalry with him over a disputed plot of land beside his house and he (Bodrul) also implicated him (Azizul) in a false case in court to harass him.Locals reported that both the rival groups engaged in scuffle few days ago and Bodrul openly threatened to take revenge on Azizul at that time.Visiting the spot at noon today (15 Jan), it was found that piles of dead chickens lying here and there in the farm and the irritating smell of poison was floating in the air.Owner of the farm Azizul in a chocked voice said that he cherished a dream to change his lot by maintaining the poultry farm but all his hopes were ruined now.” How can I be able to repay bank loan,” he cried with sign of uncertainty on face.Mosirat Ali Shah Fakir, chairman of concerned Tupamari union parishad (UP) said that Azizul is a very industrious man and he also set up a bio gas plant beside the poultry farm using chicken liters to save fuel in maintaining family needs which was an unique example of innovation to local youths.Whoever committed this crime should be punished added the UP chairman.Accused Bodrul Ali while contacted denied the allegation against him and on contrary claimed that Azizul himself killed chickens in his farm with poison to drag him (Bodrul) in odd position. Sador upazila livestock officer Rezaul Hasan said that he had visited the spot and made autopsy of a number of dead chickens and became sure that they didn’t die by any disease like bird flu or others but died in reaction of strong poison. Azizul was preparing to file a case with local police station accusing Bodrul and three others.Officer in charge of Sadar police station, Shahjamal Pasha said that he had not received any complain regarding this matter and he must go in action if complain is lodged.
