Kuakata Polls: 20 hurt as supporters of 2 mayor candidates clash

At least 20 people were injured when supporters of two mayoral candidates for upcoming Kuakata municipality election clashed in Melapara area yesterday.

Of the injured, Rafiqul Islam and Abdul Barek Hawlader, supporters of incumbent Kuakata Municipality Mayor Abdul Barek Mollah, also Awami League nominated mayoral candidate, were admitted to Kalapara Upazila Health Complex and Kuakata 20-bed Hospital respectively in critical condition.

On the other hand, severely injured Mohammad Russell and Abdur Rab Majhi, men of independent mayoral candidate Anwar Hawladar, is now undergoing treatment at Kuatata 20-bed Hospital, while the rest took treatment at the same hospital.

Meanwhile, first-grader Arif, a seven-year-old boy from the locality, also sustained injury during the chase and counter chase of the two rival groups.

At altercation occurred when supporters of both the groups were campaigning in favour of their candidate in Melapara around 10:15am.

At one stage, both the groups, equipped with sticks and bamboo, attacked each triggering a clash between them that left at least 20 people from both sides injured.

Officer in Charge off Mahipur Police Station Mohammad Moniruzzaman said he heard about the clash but none had filed any complaint in this regard as of filing this report around 9:40pm.

Mentionable, election of Kuakata municipality is scheduled to be held on December 28.