Kamal Hossain, 30, was hit by a bullet in the chest on Tuesday as Narsingdi police opened fire on a huge crowd blockading the Palli Bidyut office demanding uninterrupted power supply in the area. Critically injured Kamal was rushed to DMCH Tuesday night.

An uneasy calm settled over village Chaola after Kamal's body was sent there. Extra forces have been deployed in the area to prevent any untoward situation.

Local sources said the local textile mills geared up to increase their production for extra profit on the eve of the Eid-ul-Fitre, but frequent power outages in the area had been foiling their bid.

Thousands of textile mill workers and locals blockaded the Palli Bidyut Samity 2 office at Chaola on Tuesday protesting frequent power cuts in the locality.

Palli Bidyut authorities claimed that the mob ransacked documents and furniture in the office and set fire to 12 motorcycles and two transformers worth Tk 2.5 crore.

The police rushed to the scene, clubbed the crowd, lobbed tear gas shells and at one stage opened fire on the mob to control the situation, Narsingdi police sources said.

Around 50 people were injured and two including Kamal sustained bullet injuries during the police action.