A journalist’s business establishment in Jashore’s Jhikargachha upazila was attacked and vandalized after he refused to pay extortion money, according to a complaint filed on Friday.

The incident took place around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday at M/S Mamun Traders in the old Navaran Bazar area. The attackers were allegedly led by Shahadat Hossain, a known drug trader from Raghunathpur Dangi village, police and victims said. Mamunur Rashid, vice president of Navaran Press Club and staff reporter of Bartakantha, owns the business.

Nur Alam, manager of Mamun Traders, filed a written complaint with Jhikargachha Police Station on Friday morning naming six people, including Shahadat.

The accused are Shahadat Hossain, 25; Alomgir Hossain, 23; Shah Alam, 22; Jahangir Hossain, 30; Miraj Hossain, 23, of Kundipur Matpara; and Ashiq, 24, son of Idris.

Mamunur Rashid said Shahadat and his group had been demanding a large sum in extortion from him for months. “When I refused, Shahadat and 5–6 others armed with sticks and local weapons stormed my office Thursday night. They beat my manager and staff and vandalized the establishment,” he said.

He added that the attackers attempted to assault him as well. Locals intervened, after which the group fled while threatening to kill him.

Residents alleged that Shahadat and his three brothers are notorious drug dealers and run a gang under the protection of a local influential leader. They said drug abuse, theft and mugging have increased in the area, causing widespread fear.

Jhikargachha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nur Mohammad Gazi said they received the complaint and would take legal action after investigation.