At least eight people, including five with bullet wounds, were injured on Wednesday morning in a violent clash between two rival factions over local dominance in Kalia upazila of Narail.
The confrontation broke out around 9am in Char Kandipara under Kalabaria union of Naragati Police Station between supporters of Md Sohel, a member of Ward 2 of Kalabaria Union Parishad, and a rival group led by Abed.
According to locals and police, the violence was triggered by a longstanding dispute and persistent efforts by both groups to establish control in the area.
Tensions had been running high between the opposing sides prior to the incident. The confrontation escalated as both factions allegedly launched attacks against each other and exchanged gunfire, leaving eight people wounded.
The five individuals who sustained bullet wounds have been identified as Israfil Sikdar, Russell Sheikh, Motiur Rahman, Mukti Sheikh, and Hasan Sheikh. The injured were initially taken to Kalia Upazila Health Complex. Following primary treatment, they were referred to Khulna Medical College Hospital for advanced care.
The incident has heightened tension across the locality.
Md Hossain Ali, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Naragati Police Station, stated that the clash was linked to a previous murder and an ongoing dispute over local dominance.
“We have received reports that four people were injured by gunfire, though it cannot be officially confirmed yet whether firearms were explicitly used. Doctors will be able to confirm that,” OC Hossain Ali said. He added that an investigation is currently underway to ascertain the types of weapons used during the clash.
As of Wednesday afternoon, police have detained one person for questioning in connection with the violence.
