The death toll from a gunfight between two rival gangs over control of hayfields along the Padma River, on the border of Bagha in Rajshahi and Daulatpur in Kushtia, has risen to three. Two others were injured in the bloody clash.
The incident occurred on Monday afternoon (27 October) in the Chauddohazar Bigha area of the Padma’s river island under Moricha Union of Daulatpur upazila. The violence broke out between the notorious Kakon gang and Mondol gang from Bagha over dominance of the expansive hayfields.
According to police and local sources, both gangs—long embroiled in territorial disputes over the riverine land—engaged in a fierce gun battle for several hours, using modern firearms and sharp weapons.
During the fighting, Aman Mondol (36), son of Minhaj Mondol, a member of the Mondol gang, was shot dead on the spot. Another man, Nazmul Mondol (26), died on the way to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital.
Two others—Muntaz Mondol (32), the gang leader, and Rakib Mondol (18)—were seriously injured and are currently undergoing treatment at the same hospital. All the victims and injured are residents of Nich Khanpur village in Gargari Union, Bagha upazila, Rajshahi.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday morning (28 October), river police recovered another body, identified as Liton Ali (26), from the Padma River near Chauddohazar Bigha char in Daulatpur. He was the son of Kamrul Islam from Rayta Natunhat in Bheramara upazila.
SI Shafiqul Islam, in-charge of the Ishwardi River Police Camp, confirmed the recovery of the body.
Daulatpur Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Solaiman Sheikh said, “The scene of the incident lies along the border between Daulatpur and Bagha police jurisdictions, so both police stations are jointly investigating the matter.”
Meanwhile, Bagha Police Station OC (Investigation) Suprabhat Mondol stated, “Three people were killed and two others injured in the clash between Kakon and Mondol gangs over control of the hayfield. The bodies have been sent to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital morgue. Drives are under way to arrest those involved. However, as the scene falls within Daulatpur upazila, any case related to the incident will be filed there.”
Khaborwala/MAZ
