At least 20 people sustained injuries following a violent clash between residents of two neighbouring villages in Derai upazila, Sunamganj, sparked by a romantic relationship between a young man and woman. The violent altercation took place on Wednesday afternoon in Karimpur Union, pitting supporters of Mahtab Mia from Matiyapur village against followers of Gias Uddin from Holimpur village.
Local sources indicate that tension had been brewing between the two families after news of the romantic involvement spread through the rural community. What began as a heated verbal dispute on Wednesday afternoon quickly escalated into open hostility as supporters from both sides gathered. Armed with improvised sharp weapons, bamboo sticks, and iron rods, villagers clashed violently in an open field, prompting widespread panic across the area.
The clash, which lasted for nearly an hour, left at least 20 individuals from both factions bleeding and injured. Bystanders and local residents scrambled for safety as the two groups engaged in intense hand-to-hand combat and stone-pelting.
Upon receiving reports of the disturbance, a police contingent led by the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Derai Police Station, Md. Aminul Islam, rushed to the scene to restore order. Officers deployed firm measures to disperse the rioting crowds and separate the warring factions.
Following the police intervention, local residents helped transport the injured to the nearby Derai Upazila Health Complex for emergency medical treatment. Hospital officials reported that several victims suffered lacerations and blunt force trauma, though the exact identities of those admitted could not be immediately confirmed.
Confirming the incident, Officer-in-Charge Md. Aminul Islam stated that law enforcement officers reacted swiftly to quell the unrest. He added that the situation remains entirely under control, with additional police personnel deployed to the area to prevent further retaliatory violence between the two villages. Authorities are currently reviewing the incident before initiating formal legal proceedings.
