3 killed, 9 hurt in clash over land dispute

Three people were killed and at least nine others injured yesterday in a violent clash over a long-running land dispute in Kurigram's Nageshwari upazila.

The dead are Ershad Ali, 42, his aunt Kulshum Begum, 55, and Kawser Mia, 32.

Locals said the dispute over a 16-decimal piece of land in Dhoni Gagla village of Santoshpur Union had simmered for years between Ershad and neighbour Altaf Hossain, with both families claiming ownership.

Tensions boiled over around 11:30am when an argument over land demarcation escalated, drawing supporters from both sides into a fierce confrontation, armed with sticks, sharp weapons, and locally made arms.

Ershad and Kulshum died on the spot. Kawser succumbed to his injuries on the way to hospital.

Eyewitness Jahirul Islam said no one dared intervene as both groups appeared prepared for violence. He added that villagers now fear retaliation.

Nine injured people were taken to Nageshwari Upazila Health Complex and other facilities.

Dr Noor Islam of the health complex said the conditions of Nur Mohammad and his elder brother were critical, with severe injuries to their heads, arms, and legs. Preparations were underway in the afternoon to transfer both to Rangpur Medical College Hospital.

Nageshwari Police Station OC Rezaul Karim said officers rushed to the spot, recovered the bodies, and brought the situation under control.

Additional personnel have since been deployed and patrols intensified.

Police seized several locally made weapons, but there have been no arrests and no case had been filed as of last night.