At least eight individuals, including six law enforcement officers, sustained injuries in a confrontation that occurred in Patuakhali Sadar upazila last evening. The clash occurred at Palpara Bazar between 10:00 pm and 11:30 pm, according to the police.
The injured parties consist of a sub-inspector (SI), two assistant sub-inspectors (ASI), and three constables from Sadar Police Station. The Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Patuakhali Sadar Police Station, Imtiaz Ahmed, mentioned that the conflict erupted due to a land dispute between two factions.
“We dispatched police to the scene upon receiving the report. However, when they attempted to restore order, some individuals assaulted the police officers. We are currently investigating the matter and initiating appropriate legal measures,” he stated.
Eyewitnesses reported that the altercation began when a group led by a local criminal named Sohel Majhi attacked BNP leader Mofizul with sharp weapons following a longstanding land disagreement. Upon receiving the alert, law enforcement officers rushed to the location. Yet, upon noticing their arrival, Sohel’s associates assaulted them with sharp weapons, resulting in injuries to SI Russell, ASIs Zahid and Rahman, and three constables.
Subsequently, joint forces conducted an operation, utilizing blank shots to disperse the assailants and restore order. The wounded individuals were promptly evacuated and transported to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital. Mofizul, who was severely injured, was transferred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal for advanced medical care, while four injured policemen were admitted to Patuakhali Medical College Hospital.
Later that night, Superintendent of Police Md Anwar Zahid visited the injured police officers at the hospital and pledged all necessary medical assistance. He confirmed that an inquiry is in progress to identify the culprits, and appropriate legal measures will be taken.