Md Mizanur Rahman, Chapainawabganj: A hotel owner in Chapainawabganj has alleged that his establishment was set on fire after he refused to pay extortion money, resulting in losses estimated at around Tk 800,000.The incident took place at New Tripti Hotel, located at Gopalnagar Morh in Kansat under Shibganj Upazila. Hotel owner Md. Anzarul Islam claimed that the fire destroyed furniture, electrical appliances and other valuable items inside the business premises.According to a written complaint filed with Shibganj Police Station, local resident Moin Ali had allegedly been demanding Tk 50,000 per month in extortion payments for a prolonged period. Anzarul alleged that after he refused to meet the demand, he received threats and, subsequently, the hotel was set ablaze in the early hours of June 13.However, Moin Ali denied the allegations, saying that the preliminary assessment of the Fire Service suggested the blaze may have originated from a short circuit in a refrigerator. He also stated that he had suffered losses in the incident, as he operated a shop in the damaged section of the building.Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Shibganj Police Station confirmed that a written complaint had been received. He said police are investigating the matter and that necessary legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation. Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the fire.
