12 people shot during clash over previous enmity in Natore

At least 15 persons were injured, 12 of them with bullets, in a clash between two rival groups in Natore's Singra upazila today.

The incident happened at Berabari village under the Dahiya union this morning, our Natore correspondent reports quoting Singra Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Md Mizanur Rahman.

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Locals said Saiful and Anwar, residents of Berabari village, had been at loggerheads for a long time over establishing supremacy and grabbing of Khas land in the area. Due to this dispute, a clash broke out between the two groups this morning.

At one stage, Saiful pulled a single-barrel gun from his house and opened fire, injuring 12 people, who are supporters of Anwar. Besides, three supporters of Saiful were injured in the clash.

The 13 injured including the 12 bullet-hit ones were taken to Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogura.

According to locals, Saiful is an accused in the murder case of Rezaul, a resident of the village. Rezaul, who was killed in 2016, was a follower of Anwar.

While talking to reporters, Rezaul's wife Monira Begum said Saiful had been threatening and pressuring her to withdraw the case filed in 2016. "Saiful and his associates attacked my house this morning."

Sirajul Majid Mamun, chairman of Dahiya Union Parishad, said the conflict between the two groups in Berabari village has been going on for a long time.

"We could not solve it despite repeated attempts. Initiatives have been taken by the administration to resolve it," he added.

OC Mizanur further said the situation is normal at present. Necessary legal action will be taken in this regard.

"We have arrested nine people from both sides and also are investigating whether Saiful has a gun license," the OC added.