Clash over capturing khas land leaves 2 dead

Two people were killed and at least five others injured in a clash between two rival groups of landless people over capturing khas land in Kaliganj upazila yesterday.

The deceased are Ashraf Ali Mir, 58, of Kashibati village, and his brother-in-law Ishaq Ali, 55, of Bilkazla village in the upazila.

Police detained Monirul Islam Par, 32, Rezaul Islam, 35, Sekandar Ali Par, 42, Nur Islam, 32, and Abdur Rashid, 36, in this connection.

About 446 landless families have been residing at Bhumihin Palli (village for landless) on 900 bighas of khas land in Bairagirchak-Chingrikhali in the upazila since 2002, said Ali Nur Khan, general secretary of Satkhira District Bhumihin Samity.

At least three people were killed in different clashes among different rival groups over capturing khas land in the area, Ali added.

Locals said a group of landless people led by Abul Hossain and Abdul Karim Par evicted several families loyal to Ashraf Ali Mir from the khas land about a year ago.

Around 6:00am, a group of 50/60 loyal to Ashraf Ali attacked the men of Abul Hossain and Abdul Karim and blasted several crude bombs to take control of the land. Their rivals fought back and caught three people--Ashraf, Ishaq and Abu Bakar. 

They beat the three mercilessly and later handed them over to the police. Police took the trio to Kaliganj Upazila Health Complex where the doctors declared Ashraf and Ishaq dead.

Sub-inspector Mohammad Shahidullah of Kaliganj Police Station said police detained five people and recovered a pipe gun, two crude bombs and two bullets from the spot.