One shot, three others injured in Kushtia clash

At least four people, including one who sustained bullet injuries, were injured in a clash between two rival groups over local dominance in Kushtia's Daulatpur upazila today (23 May).

The incident took place around 1pm in Chatarpara village under Aria union of the upazila.

The injured were identified as Bakul, Sumon, Akaili and Kadbhanu. Among them, Bakul was critically injured after being shot, said Arifur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Daulatpur Police Station.

"The situation is now under control. However, no case has been filed so far and no one has been detained in connection with the incident," the OC said.

Additional police have been deployed in the area, according to the local administration.

Police and local sources said a long-standing dispute had been continuing between the Malitha and Mondal families of the village over land and local dominance.

As part of the conflict, several members of the Malitha family allegedly gathered around noon and locked a shallow irrigation pump used for agricultural work belonging to Kornel, son of Abdul Hannan of the rival Mondal family.

According to locals, they also allegedly attempted to attack and vandalise Kornel's house. When Kornel and his supporters resisted, a chase and counter-chase broke out between the two sides, accompanied by brickbat throwing.

At one stage, several rounds of gunfire were heard. Bakul sustained bullet injuries to his leg and was later rescued by locals and admitted to Kushtia Sadar Hospital.

Among the injured, Bakul, Sumon and Akaili are members of the Malitha family, while Kadbhanu, mother of Kornel from the Mondal family, was also injured.

The injured were admitted to Daulatpur Upazila Health Complex and Kushtia Sadar Hospital.