|| Md. Tanju Ahmed, Lakshmipur: Even a week after a businessman was assaulted at Daserhat Bazar in Sadar Upazila of Lakshmipur, the victim’s family has not yet overcome their fear. They claim they have been unable to file a written complaint with the police due to fear of the accused Rashed and his associates.According to reports, the incident took place on the evening of March 23 at Daserhat Bazar. The assaulted businessman, Mahbubur Rahman, is a resident of Char Shahi Union No. 12 in the upazila.The victim’s family stated that Rashed had been demanding extortion money from them for a long time. On the day of the incident, when Mahbubur Rahman refused to pay, Rashed, along with his group, came to the market at night and assaulted him. Since then, the family has been living in extreme fear.Mahbubur Rahman’s wife, Afrin Sultana Setu, said, “We have not been able to go to the police station due to fear of Rashed’s group. We are constantly living in fear and feeling insecure.”Eyewitnesses said that due to a previous dispute, an argument broke out between Mahbub and Rashed at the market on the day of the incident, which eventually led to a physical altercation.The accused, Rashed, denied the allegations of extortion. He said, “The allegation of demanding extortion money is completely false. Mahbub is spreading propaganda against us.” However, regarding the assault, he added, “I do not deny that my younger associates raised their hands against him.” In this regard, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chandraganj Police Station, Morshed Alam, said that no written complaint has yet been received. He added that legal action will be taken after investigation if a complaint is filed.