15 injured as shooting erupts over land dispute in Natore

At least 15 people have been injured, including some with bullet wounds, in a violent dispute over land in Natore’s Singra Upazila.

The clash erupted around 8:45pm on Saturday in the Kadamkuri area of Dahia Union, according to Md Asmaul Haque, chief of Singra Police Station.

The injured are currently undergoing treatment at the Natore Sadar Hospital.

According to one of the injured, 32-year-old Ibrahim Hossain, tensions escalated when a group led by Manik, Ratan, and Rahidul -- all identified by single names -- allegedly attempted to forcefully occupy his family's ancestral land.

“When we resisted, they attacked us as we were returning from the market. When our relatives intervened, they opened fire,” said Ibrahim.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach Manik, Ratan, and Rahidul for comment were unsuccessful.

The dispute has its roots in a long-standing feud between two brothers, Zahed Ali and Abdur Razzak.

Following Zahed’s death four years ago, a conflict arose between their children over access to irrigation water for the land. According to local residents, tensions had escalated in recent days, culminating in Saturday’s violence.

Police confirmed that some of the victims had suffered pellet gunshot wounds.

“The attackers are currently absconding,” OC Haque said.

“We are conducting an investigation, and legal action will follow. At present, the law and order situation remains under control.”

Dr Abdus Salam Sheikh, the on-duty physician at the hospital, said the injured were in stable condition.