40 hurt in two gangs’ gunfight in Kushtia

According to police, the gun battle ensued when Lalchad Bahini men attacked Panna Bahini at about 2.30:am to drive them away from Habirchar.

Panna Bahini men had taken shelter there earlier, police said.

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Of the injured, local people identified eight of the gang members. They are Ilu 35, Rashid 32, Naharul 30, Sawkat 30, Millat 30, Jamrul 36, Mannan 29 and Kamal, 35.

Local people said the injured people are taking treatment at secret places to avoid arrest.

Sources said Lalchad allegedly belongs to a local ruling party lawmaker while Panna is sheltered by an Awami League leader. The two gangs have created a reign of terror in the upazila, they said.

Police and Rab raided hideouts of the gang leaders several times but could not arrest any of them as they enjoyed blessings from political leaders, the sources claimed.

At least 6 lakh people of the upazila are hostage to the gang, they claimed.