At least seven people, including several with gunshot wounds, have been injured in a clash between two groups in Kumarkhali, Kushtia, triggered by the throwing of a soft drink bottle cap.
Kumarkhali Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Jamal Uddin confirmed the matter. The incident took place on Sunday at around 5:30pm in the Ber Kalowa Jame Mosque area of the upazila’s Kaya Union.
The injured have been identified as Md Rabbi, 22, Md Obaidullah, 30, and Joni Sheikh, 20, from Radhagram in Kaya Union; and Sharuf Sheikh, 20, Jahangir Alam, 45, Md Shafiuddin, 65, and Obaidullah Sheikh, 55, from Ber Kalowa village.
Relatives rescued Rabbi, Joni, and Sharuf and took them to the Upazila Health Complex, where doctors referred them to Kushtia General Hospital following primary treatment. Others reportedly received primary care within the village.
According to local sources, the dispute began around 9am on Sunday at the Ber Kalowa intersection. Ratan Sheikh of the village threw a bottle cap after consuming a soft drink, which struck a man named Kaset on the head.
Video clips of the incident show over 50 people running through agricultural land, many wearing helmets and carrying shields, sticks, and firearms.
OC Jamal said, “It has been initially learned that the attack and shooting occurred due to past enmity. Several people are undergoing treatment at the hospital. Additional police have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order. Legal action will be taken once a written complaint is received.”
