At least two people, including a pedestrian, were injured in a gunfight between rival groups over territorial control in the Chandraganj West Bazaar area of Lakshmipur Sadar upazila on Tuesday night.
The clash took place around 9pm in front of the Chandraganj Union BNP office at the entrance of Afzal Road. The injured have been identified as Abdur Rahim, a tree trader and son of Shamsul Haque from Shekhpur village, and Saiful Islam Manik, son of Mizanur Rahman from East Jafarpur village in Charshahi Union.
Witnesses and local sources said tensions had been brewing since Monday between residents of Deopara and Shekhpur villages. The dispute escalated on Tuesday night into a confrontation led by Rakib Patwary of Deopara, reportedly an accused in murder and arms cases, and Mitul of Shekhpur.
During the skirmish, Abdur Rahim, a passer-by, was shot in the left leg, while Manik was beaten with chains. Locals rescued them and rushed them to Lakshmipur Sadar Hospital.
Salam Sourav, duty doctor at the hospital, said Abdur Rahim was referred to Noakhali General Hospital for advanced treatment, while Manik remains under observation at the Sadar Hospital.
Additional Superintendent of Police Raihan Kazemi confirmed the clash arose from a dispute over local dominance and a settlement meeting, adding that police are taking necessary legal measures.
