A man was killed and at least 30 others injured during a clash between two rival groups in Kanchanpur village of Kalia upazila in Narail on Friday evening (April 11).
The deceased was identified as Farid Molla, 57.
According to locals, the violence erupted around 6:30pm on April 11 following an attack allegedly carried out by supporters of the Milon Molla group on the residence of Aftab Molla near Kanchanpur Government Primary School.
The assault triggered a fierce clash between the two sides, who used locally made weapons.
The conflict is rooted in a longstanding dispute over dominance between the rival factions in the village. Tensions flared after an earlier incident on Thursday when Sanwar, a supporter of the Milon Molla group, was reportedly beaten by members of the opposing faction after attending a court hearing.
Following Farid Molla's death, enraged supporters of the Aftab Molla group vandalised and set fire to at least 20 houses and shops belonging to their rivals, including properties linked to Babra-Hachla Union Chairman Mozammel Haque Pikul and several others.
Police and army personnel launched a joint operation later that night, arresting 20 individuals from both sides and recovering a significant number of country-made weapons.
Those arrested include Amirul Islam, 20; Atiqur Rahman, 19; Hachibur Rahman, 45; Morsalin, 19; Hashem Molya, 34; Moni Mia, 42; Mujahidul, 20; Siraj Molya, 50; Diku Sheikh, 25; Abu Zafar Molya, 65; Shahadat Hossain, 56; Munnu Sheikh, 52; Shahajan, 50; Yusuf, 20; Nayan Molya, 22; Abdul Mannan, 45; Jamir Mallick, 48; Didar Molya, 25; Monirul Islam, 19; and Amiran Hossain, 21 — all residents of the area.
Bashir Munshi, one of the injured, was transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment on Saturday morning as his condition deteriorated.
Kalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md Rashidul Islam confirmed the matter.
He told Banglanews that additional law enforcement personnel, including the army, have been deployed in the area to maintain order. “The situation is under control, and legal proceedings are ongoing,” he said.
BDST: 1431 HRS, APR 12, 2025
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