In the quiet village of Uttar Bhabanipur, located in the Juri Upazila of Moulvibazar district, Bangladesh, a heart-wrenching story of loss and despair has unfolded. Lucky Rani Dey, a widow and mother of two, has been left devastated after thieves stole her only source of income—four cows—leaving her family in a state of utter helplessness. This incident is not isolated but part of a growing trend of cattle theft in the region, which has left many families struggling to survive.
Lucky Rani Dey’s Struggle to Keep Her Family Afloat
Lucky Rani Dey’s life took a tragic turn three years ago when her husband, Prashanta Dey, passed away unexpectedly due to a heart attack. Prashanta, who ran a small betel leaf shop near the Bhabaniganj Bazar bus stand, was the sole breadwinner of the family. His sudden death left Lucky Rani to shoulder the responsibility of raising their two daughters and managing the household.
With no other means of income, Lucky Rani turned to cattle farming, hoping it would provide a steady livelihood. She managed to raise five cows, which became her family’s lifeline. The income from selling milk and cattle was meant to cover household expenses and fund her daughters’ education. Her eldest daughter, Riya Rani Dey, is currently preparing for her Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams, while her younger daughter, Ruhi Rani De, is in the fifth grade.
The Night That Shattered Her Dreams
On the night of February 28, 2024, Lucky Rani’s world came crashing down. While the family slept, a group of thieves broke into her cowshed, cut the lock, and stole four of her cows—two cows and two calves. The next morning, Lucky Rani discovered the broken lock and the empty shed, realizing that her family’s sole source of income had been ruthlessly taken away.
In an emotional interview, Lucky Rani recounted her ordeal. “These cows were my last hope. My elder daughter has her exams coming up, and I needed the money for her books, tuition, and other expenses. Now, everything is gone. The thieves have destroyed us,” she said, breaking down in tears.
A Community in Distress
Lucky Rani’s plight is not an isolated incident. According to local residents, at least 30 cattle thefts have been reported in various villages across Juri Upazila in February alone. Despite multiple complaints filed with the local police station, the thefts have continued unabated, leaving the community in a state of fear and frustration.
Bechon Dey, Lucky Rani’s brother-in-law, confirmed that the family has filed a written complaint with the Juri Police Station. Police officials have visited the scene of the crime, but no arrests have been made so far.
Police Response and Community Concerns
When contacted, Mohammad Morshedul Alam Bhuiyan, the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Juri Police Station, acknowledged the rising incidents of cattle theft in the area. “We are investigating each case thoroughly and will take legal action against those involved in these crimes,” he said. He also emphasized that police patrols have been increased at night but urged villagers to remain vigilant and organize local watch groups to protect their livestock.
However, for families like Lucky Rani’s, these measures offer little solace. The theft of cattle has become a severe problem, threatening the livelihoods of countless families who depend on livestock for their survival.
A Call for Action
The case of Lucky Rani Dey highlights a broader issue affecting rural communities in Bangladesh. Cattle theft is not just a crime against property; it is an attack on the very survival of vulnerable families. For many, like Lucky Rani, livestock represents their only means of income, and losing it can push them into abject poverty.
Local authorities must take more effective measures to curb this growing menace. Strengthening police patrols, installing surveillance systems in vulnerable areas, and raising awareness among villagers about preventive measures are some steps that could help address the issue. Additionally, providing support to victims like Lucky Rani Dey, such as financial aid or alternative livelihood options, is crucial to help them rebuild their lives.
Conclusion
Lucky Rani Dey’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by marginalized communities in protecting their livelihoods. As the investigation into the theft continues, her family remains in a state of uncertainty, grappling with the loss of their only source of income. For now, Lucky Rani’s tears symbolize the pain of countless others who have fallen victim to similar crimes.
The incident underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and security of vulnerable populations. Until then, stories like Lucky Rani’s will continue to echo the cries of helpless mothers and families struggling to survive in the face of adversity.
Date: March 5, 2024
Sources: Prothom Alo, Ittefaq
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