Bangladesh, Oct. 3 -- More than 9,000 betel leaf plants were allegedly felled overnight at a Khasi settlement in Kulaura, causing extensive damage to the livelihoods of nine families.

The incident occurred on the night of Wednesday, September 30, at Nursery Khasia Punji, located on a hillock in Karmadha Union of Kulaura Upazila.

According to police and local sources, betel leaf plants were cut down from the jhum plots of Johnny Potam, Likin Khongpda, Paila Potam, Nasrin Potam, Nistar Patuat, Shiuli Azim, Tuni Azim, Diman Potam and Masar Tongper, all residents of Nursery Khasia Punji.

Plants were reportedly destroyed in two of Nasrin Potam's jhum plots. Expressing her indignation, Nasrin Potam said, "I do not know who committed this he...