Khulna UP Member Accused of River and Land Grab in Paikgachha

In Lata Union of Khulna's Paikgachha upazila, local Union Parishad (UP) member Kumaresh Mandal and his brother Prashant face severe allegations of encroaching on government property, Water Development Board land, and the Ulubunia River to construct a luxury estate and a multi-story commercial building.

Locals allege the brothers have exploited political influence over the past 17 years to systematically grab vested property (VP) and public land. The 55.89-acre Ulubunia River is rapidly shrinking due to illegal dams and earth-filling by the accused, who have effectively blocked its natural flow despite government-funded excavation efforts. Furthermore, they allegedly seized a nine-bigha plot initially taken on lease from a local settlement holder and erected a commercial building at Shamukpota Bazar in defiance of government regulations.

When confronted, Prashant Mandal claimed they leased the land but failed to provide evidence, alleging his documents were destroyed in a fire on August 5. A local political figure defended the brothers, claiming the land belonged to another leaseholder, though he acknowledged that sub-leasing government settlement (DCR) land is legally prohibited.

The blatant encroachment has sparked outrage among residents, who demand immediate intervention and an impartial inquiry. Authorities have pledged strict measures in response.

Paikgachha Assistant Commissioner (Land) Fazle Rabbi stated, "There is no scope to occupy government property or rivers. We will investigate the allegations in Lata Union and take swift legal action." Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Wasiuzzaman Chowdhury echoed this, confirming that an inquiry will be launched immediately to recover the public assets.