One Dead, Five Injured in Santhia Clash

In Santhia, a sub-district of Pabna, a violent altercation over a longstanding financial dispute left Abdul Gafur (70) dead and at least five others injured on Thursday afternoon. The incident occurred in Khayarbaria village, part of the Nandanpur Union, sparking tension across the local community.

Abdul Gafur, the son of the late Jasim Uddin Pramanik, succumbed to injuries sustained during the clash. Police sources confirmed that four individuals have been taken into custody, and the situation in the area remains volatile.

Background of the Dispute

Local residents report that the conflict originated on Wednesday, when Abdul Gafur’s son, Alam, had a disagreement with Moyeen Uddin (45), the son of Abu Taleb from the same village. Alam alleged that Moyeen had failed to repay a previous loan and refused to settle the matter when requested again, igniting tensions between the two families.

The following day, Moyeen Uddin reportedly arrived at Alam’s residence with a group of supporters. Confrontation quickly escalated into a physical altercation, during which multiple individuals were injured, including Abdul Gafur, Manik Hossain (43), Moyeen Uddin himself, and Mayuri Khatun (34).

Emergency services transported the injured to Santhia Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared Abdul Gafur dead. Manik Hossain, who sustained severe injuries, was subsequently transferred to Pabna Sadar Hospital for further treatment.

Arrests and Investigation

Authorities have detained Moyeen Uddin, his wife Reshma Khatun (34), Manik Hossain, and Sajib Hossain (25) for questioning. The on-duty officer-in-charge, Rafiqul Islam, stated, “The clash stemmed from a monetary dispute. Several individuals have been apprehended for investigation. The deceased’s body has been sent to Pabna Sadar Hospital morgue for post-mortem examination. A case is currently under process.”

Alam, the son of the deceased, demanded justice, asserting that the attack on his home was deliberately provoked due to the outstanding debt and that his father’s death resulted directly from the assault.

Summary of Casualties

Residents of Khayarbaria village expressed shock and grief over the violent turn of events. Local authorities have urged calm and are working to maintain order, while community members hope for a thorough investigation and timely justice for the victims.

The incident underscores how unresolved financial disputes can rapidly escalate into deadly conflicts, highlighting the urgent need for mediation and conflict resolution mechanisms in rural communities.