3 hacked to death in Madaripur over control of illegal sand trade

Three of a family were hacked to death in a violent clash over the control of illegal sand business in the Khwajapur Union of Madaripur's Sadar upazila today.

The victims are Saiful Sardar, 33, organising secretary of the Khwajapur union Swechchhasebak League, and his elder brother Ataur Sardar, 35, of the union, and their cousin Palash Sardar, 17.

Two people were arrested in this connection, police said.

The attack took place around noon in the Tekherhat area of Khwajapur union, confirmed Chatok Chakma, additional superintendent of police (ASP) of Madaripur Sadar Circle.

Saiful and Ataur died on the spot.

At least five others were injured and taken to 250-Bed Madaripur Sadar Hospital.

Saiful's cousin, Alil Sardar, along with three others, was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced medical treatment. There, Palash Sardar was pronounced dead around 4:00pm.

Following the incident, eight houses associated with Saiful were set on fire.

The area has been cordoned off both by police and military.

ASP Chatok said the dispute stemmed from the illegal sand extraction and lease business. It has been reported that Saiful had been involved in an ongoing feud with a local sand trader, Shahjahan, over control of the sand trade in the area.

Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, while the remaining suspects are on the run.

Efforts are underway to apprehend them.

A murder case will be filed over the incident, he said.