Two Killed in Kushtia Territorial Rivalry Attack

Two men were hacked to death and another was seriously injured in an alleged attack linked to a local territorial dispute in Khoksa Upazila of Kushtia district, police said. The incident took place at around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday following escalating tensions between two rival local groups.

The deceased have been identified as Faruk Hossain, 40, son of the late Chand Ali of Debinagar village in Osmanpur Union, and Abdul Sheikh, 25, son of Atiar Sheikh of neighbouring Khanpur village.

According to police and local residents, tensions had been building since Friday afternoon, when supporters of two rival groups, allegedly led by individuals identified as Samirul and Mintu Chowkidar, became involved in a violent confrontation over local dominance. Although the earlier clash subsided, the dispute reportedly remained unresolved and later turned deadly.

Investigators said that, during the early hours of Saturday, a group of armed assailants, allegedly associated with the Samirul faction, launched a surprise attack on Faruk Hossain and Abdul Sheikh in Debinagar village. The attackers reportedly used sharp weapons, inflicting fatal injuries on both men. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Another victim, Mulluk Mondal, sustained serious injuries during the attack. Local residents rushed him to Kushtia General Hospital, where he remains under treatment. Hospital authorities have not publicly disclosed further details regarding his condition.

Police arrived at the scene shortly after receiving information about the killings and began collecting evidence as part of the investigation. The bodies were recovered for the completion of legal formalities, while officers launched an operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.

Officer-in-Charge Molla Jakir Hossain of Khoksa Police Station said the preliminary investigation indicates that the killings stemmed from a dispute over local influence and territorial control. He confirmed that additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent any further violence or retaliatory attacks.

Law enforcement agencies are continuing efforts to identify all individuals involved in the incident. Police said raids are under way to arrest the suspects and that the investigation will examine every aspect of the case before formal legal action is taken.

Incidents of violence arising from local rivalries and disputes over influence occasionally occur in different parts of Bangladesh, particularly where longstanding tensions between competing groups remain unresolved. Police have assured residents that security measures have been strengthened in the affected area and that those found responsible for the attack will be brought before the law following the completion of the investigation.