Youth killed, 10 injured in Narsingdi clash

A youth was killed and at least 10 others, including police personnel, were injured in a clash between residents of two villages in Narsingdi's Belabo upazila yesterday morning.

The deceased has been identified as Saiful Islam, 26, from Charbelabo village under Belabo Sadar Union.

The clash broke out around 10:00am yesterday between villagers of Matiyalpara and Charbelabo, following a dispute that reportedly began the previous day over disagreements between whether a motorcycle or an auto-rickshaw could pass first, following a local football match, said Additional Superintendent of Police (Crime) Sujan Chandra Sarker.

According to police and locals, the argument turned into a physical altercation on Wednesday, injuring three people. Tensions escalated yesterday as both sides engaged in repeated clashes using locally made weapons.

On information, police rushed to the spot to bring the situation under control. However, the agitated villagers reportedly attacked the law enforcers, prompting police to use rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd.

At least 10 people from both sides were injured and received treatment at Belabo Upazila Health Complex and other local hospitals, said police.

Saiful Islam succumbed to his injuries during the violence, his family claimed. His body is currently at Belabo Upazila Health Complex.

Dr Manzur Mushfika Ferdous, a duty doctor at Belabor Upazila Health Complex, said Saiful was brought in dead and bore marks consistent with rubber bullet wounds. "The exact cause of death will be confirmed after an autopsy," she added.

Additional police forces have been deployed in the area to maintain law and order, and the situation is now under control, said ASP Sujan Chandra Sarker.

"Legal proceedings are underway," he added.