Clash over land dispute leaves one dead, 15 hurt

A man was killed and 15 others were injured in a clash over taking possession of a disputed land in Sundarganj upazila of the district on Wednesday afternoon.

Police quoted locals as saying that there had been a longstanding dispute between Dhalu Mia of Huraviakha village and Abdur Rahman of Purbo Bachhata village over the ownership of the land on the border of the two villages.

Cases filed by both sides, claiming the ownership of the land, are now pending with the court.

Dhalu and Rahman locked in an altercation over the issue at Purbo Bachhata village at around 4:00pm on Wednesday. At one stage, the supporters of the two, equipped with  sharp weapons, swooped on each other. At least 16 people, including, Dhalu Mia, were injured during the clash.

Being informed, police went to the spot and brought the situation under control. They arrested nine people from the spot, suspecting their involvement in the clash.

They injured were admitted to the upazila health complex. As the condition of Dhalu Mia, 45, and one Abdur Rashid of Rahman group, 38, deteriorated, they were shifted to Rangpur Medical College Hospital where Rashid succumbed to his injuries.