Farmer shot dead, 5 injured in Narsingdi clash

A farmer was shot dead and five others suffered gunshot wounds in an attack by rivals over an alleged dispute for local dominance in Raipura upazila of Narsingdi today.

The deceased was identified as Momen Mia, 60, son of the late Dhan Mia of Sadagarkandi village in Chanpur union.

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Md Mujibur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Raipura Police Station, confirmed the development to this correspondent.

The incident took place around 9:00am in Sadagarkandi, a riverine area of the upazila.

According to police and locals, supporters of Chanpur union parishad Chairman Momen Sarkar and followers of former UP member Abul Kashem had long been in conflict over establishing dominance in the area.

As part of the ongoing dispute, a group of 20 to 25 armed men, allegedly led by Abul Kashem and another group leader Farid Uddin, attacked the house of Momen Mia, a supporter of the UP chairman, this morning.

The attackers allegedly opened fire indiscriminately before fleeing the scene, leaving six people injured.

Locals rescued the injured and took them to Raipura Upazila Health Complex, where doctors declared Momen Mia dead. The injured are undergoing treatment.

Raipura Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Jannatul Naim said Momen was brought to the hospital dead. She said there were bullet injury marks on his head and legs.

Speaking to the correspondent, Chandpur UP Chairman Momen Sarker said, “Momen Mia, who was killed, was my cousin. He was shot after being held at gunpoint.”

The UP chairman also alleged that Farid Uddin was made president of the ad hoc committee of Sadagarkandi High School for six months. He later became involved in various financial irregularities and misconduct, and was removed from the post. Now, he wants to become the president again by engaging in clashes and killings.

Contacted, Farid, an assistant director of Bangladesh Scouts (Noakhali and Feni region), told this correspondent over the phone, “I am currently at my workplace in Noakhali. So, how could I be involved in a murder in my village? I know nothing about the incident. I have no involvement in the incident.”

The correspondent could not reach former UP member Abul Kashem for his comment.

OC Mujibur Rahman said police rushed to the spot after receiving information and brought the situation under control.