On 10/5, Dien Chau commune police reported sending officers to investigate the scene and search for those who vandalized the watermelon field of Ton, 48, residing in Yen Luong village.

This morning, while watering his field, Ton found many watermelons scattered, cut by a knife. Some fruits were punctured by sharp objects, and the surrounding soil was trampled. Many plants began to wilt.

The scene of the watermelon field with cut fruits and trampled plants. *Video: Hung Le*

The vandalized field spans over 3,5 sao (approximately 1,500 m2). An inspection revealed 6 rows severely damaged, with 5-10 fruits cut in each row, many weighing around 4 kg.

Ton stated his family planted 6 sao of watermelon this season, investing in seeds, fertilizer, and months of care. Harvest was expected in about 7 days. "All our capital was invested here; now it's almost a total loss," Ton said.

Watermelon prices are currently 6,000-7,000 dong per kg. The destroyed watermelon quantity is estimated at hundreds of kilograms, causing millions of dong in damages.

The watermelon field, vandalized and trampled, with water flowing across it, 10/5. *Photo: Hung Le*

Ton's family is classified as near-poor, relying on watermelon farming for about 6 years. He and his wife have a 10-year-old child with a congenital disability, blind in both eyes. Their difficult life necessitates borrowing additional land from relatives and neighbors for cultivation.

Ton mentioned he had previously received threats related to personal matters, though there is no basis to confirm a connection. He hopes authorities will quickly clarify the incident.

Previously, in 7/2022, the watermelon field of Phan Van Ton, residing in Dien Ky commune, Dien Chau district (former), was vandalized. Police later identified a group of teenagers as perpetrators due to a conflict during watermelon theft.

Duc Hung