7 shot among 20 injured in Pabna clash

A dispute over property turned into a gunfight between two rival factions of a family at Kismat Protappur area of Hemayetpur union under Pabna Sadar upazila yesterday, leaving 20 people injured, including seven hit by bullets.

Md Alauddin Malitha, chairman of Hemayetpur Union Parishad, said the clash took place between cousins Shanto Malitha and Ranu Malitha of the village over family property.

"Shanto and Ranu had a longstanding enmity over inherited property in the village. They had locked in several clashes earlier. Yesterday, both groups clashed with sharp weapons and firearms for around half an hour," the chairman added.

Of the injured Delwar Hossain, Abdul Gaffar, Anik Hossain, Arzu Malitha, Rojina Begum, Md Abdul Mannan, Rezaul Hossain Reza, Abdur Razzak, Sumon Hossain, Rannu Malitha, Doly Khatun, Kolpona Begum and Shahara Begum were admitted to Pabna Medical College Hospital in critical condition. 

A tense situation is prevailing in the area as both groups have taken counter positions, said Md Abdulla Al Hasan, officer-in-charge (OC) of Pabna Sadar Police Station.

"No case was filed regarding the incident. Additional police have been deployed in the area to avoid further clash," the OC said.