Banyan Tree Crushes Tea Stall in Gobindganj During Storm, Kills Shapala; Husband Khoka Mia Survives
Daily Bijoy News, Gaibandha Correspondent:
A woman named Shapala Begum (38) was killed when a banyan tree collapsed onto a tea stall during a storm and heavy rain in Gobindaganj upazila of Gaibandha. However, her husband, tea vendor Khoka Mia (50), survived as he was not inside the stall at the time.
The incident occurred around 9 PM on Saturday (May 17) at Pirpal Bazar in Rakhalburuj Union. The deceased, Shapala Begum, was the second wife of Khoka Mia, a resident of Chokmakra village.
Locals reported that Shapala was working inside their tea stall at night while her husband was outside the market. Sensing bad weather, she called him to return quickly. Shortly after, a fierce storm with thunder and rain began, causing an old banyan tree to fall onto the stall, crushing Shapala to death on the spot. When Khoka returned, he found his wife trapped under the tree.
The tragic death of the poor tea vendor’s wife cast a shadow of grief over Pirpal Bazar. Locals alleged that the tree had been in a dangerous condition for a long time, and despite repeated warnings, authorities failed to take action, leading to this heartbreaking accident.
Upon receiving the news, Sub-Inspector (SI) Harun-ur-Rashid of Gobindaganj Police Station, Rakhalburuj UP Chairman Hasanur Rahman Chowdhury Duke, UP members Rezaul Karim Prodhan, and Abdul Matin visited the scene. Officer-in-Charge (OC) Bulbul Islam of Gobindaganj Police Station confirmed the incident.
Daily Bijoy News / Sajadur Rahman Saju
