Three individuals lost their lives and at least nine others sustained injuries during a violent altercation between two opposing factions over a property disagreement in Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram earlier today. The deceased were Ershad Ali, aged 42, Kulshum Begum, aged 55, and Kawser Mia, aged 32.
Local sources reported an enduring dispute over a 16-decimal land parcel in Dhoni Gagla village of Santoshpur Union involving Altaf Hossain and Ershad Ali, who both laid claim to ownership rights. Tensions escalated at approximately 11:30 am following a dispute regarding the demarcation of the land, leading supporters from each side to arm themselves with various weapons, including sticks and sharp objects, resulting in a violent confrontation.
Ershad and Kulshum perished on the scene, while Kawser Mia passed away en route to the hospital. Eyewitness Jahirul Islam mentioned that due to the armed nature of the groups, bystanders refrained from intervening, instilling fear of potential future violence within the community.
Nine injured individuals have been admitted to Nageshwari Upazila Health Complex and other medical facilities, with Nur Mohammad and his elder brother reported to be in critical condition, suffering severe injuries to their heads, arms, and legs. Plans are underway to transfer the critically wounded patients to Rangpur Medical College Hospital for further treatment.
Rezaul Karim, the Officer-in-Charge of Nageshwari Police Station, stated that the fatal clash stemmed from a prolonged land dispute, prompting law enforcement to swiftly respond to the scene and restore order. While three casualties were recovered, the injured are being closely monitored. Police reinforcements have been stationed to uphold public safety, and surveillance efforts have been intensified. Although several locally crafted weapons were confiscated from the site, no arrests have been made, and no legal proceedings have been initiated as of now.