One killed as villagers clash in Cox's Bazar

A man was killed in a clash between two groups of villagers allegedly over establishing supremacy in Moheshkhali upazila of the district yesterday.

The victim, Kawsar Alam, 37, son of Jonab Ali of Purbo Kalagazipara village under Hoanok union in the upazila, was an accused in at least six cases, including for murder and abduction.

The law enforcers also recovered two locally made guns and four bullets from the spot.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Moheshkhali Police Station Pradip Kumar Das said there has been a longstanding rivalry between one Jonab Ali and Jalal at Purbo Kalagazipara village over establishing supremacy in the locality.  

As a sequel to the enmity, supporters of Jonab Ali and Jalal, equipped with firearms and sharp weapons, locked in a clash early yesterday, he said, adding that on information, a police team went to the spot.

Meanwhile, sensing the presence of police, supporters of the two groups fled the scene.

Police chased the clashing groups and at one stage they caught Kawsar, who sustained bullet injuries on his left eye, and took him to Moheshkhali Upazila Health Complex, the OC said.

Following deterioration of his condition, Kawsar was later shifted to Cox's Bazar Sadar Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries around 2:00pm.

Police were trying to arrest the culprits involved in the incident, the OC said.