Extortion threat targets five hindu families in Natore

Police have launched an investigation after unidentified individuals left extortion letters at the homes of five Hindu families in Natore's Lalpur upazila, demanding money and threatening to kill family members within 24 hours if the payments were not made.

The incident took place in the Palpara area of Baknai village under Lalpur Union Saturday night (August 1), triggering fear among minority residents in the locality.

According to family members, the threatening letter was discovered Sunday morning by Arun Kumar Pal, son of local resident Narayan Kumar Pal, on the veranda of their home. News of the incident quickly spread throughout the neighbourhood.

The letter demanded Tk 20,000 from each Hindu household, instructing recipients to transfer the money to a specified mobile financial service account. It warned that failure to comply within 24 hours would result in the killing of all family members.

Recipients were also instructed to pass the letter on to other Hindu households in the area, a move that residents say appears intended to spread fear throughout the community.

Local residents alleged that the threats may be part of a deliberate attempt to intimidate the minority community and create unrest. They urged authorities to identify those responsible and bring them to justice without delay.

Police from Lalpur Police Station visited the scene after being informed, seized the letter as evidence and began an investigation to trace its origin and identify those involved.

Officer-in-Charge Shafiqul Islam said the matter is being treated with the highest priority.

"We have recovered the threatening letter and launched an investigation to identify its source. Security in the area has also been strengthened, and legal action will be taken against those responsible once they are identified," he said.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether similar threats have been reported elsewhere or whether the incident is linked to any organised criminal group.