One Killed, 25 Injured as Rival Groups Clash Overnight in Brahmanbaria.

Gunfire, Cocktails and Teta Attacks Trigger Panic in Banchharampur; Firearms, Live Ammunition and Cocktails Recovered Special correspondent Brahmanbaria. BANCHHARAMPUR, BRAHMANBARIA, September 28: A 19-year-old youth was killed and at least 25 people were injured in a violent overnight clash between two rival groups over a long-standing dispute over local dominance in Banchharampur upazila of Brahmanbaria. The incident took place at Shantipur village under Sonarampur Union at around 3:30am on Monday, when the two sides reportedly engaged in a fierce confrontation involving gunfire, homemade explosive cocktails, brickbat throwing and attacks with traditional weapons. The violence triggered panic among residents as repeated gunshots and explosions were heard throughout the area. The deceased was identified as Jewel Mia, 19, son of Chentu Mia of Gopinathpur village in Nilaksha Union of Raipura upazila in neighbouring Narsingdi district. Long-standing dispute sparks fresh violence According to local residents, supporters of Sebu Sarkar and Azgar Ali Sarkar of Shantipur village have been involved in a long-running dispute over establishing dominance in the area. The two sides had reportedly clashed several times in the past, including another confrontation on June 30. Locals said around 150 people from the Sebu Sarkar household had been staying in Narsingdi for nearly three months following allegations of attacks and looting. They returned to the area on Sunday, triggering renewed tension between the rival groups. The situation escalated into a violent confrontation in the early hours of Monday. During the clash, both sides reportedly chased one another, exchanged brickbats and opened fire. Several people sustained gunshot and teta injuries, with the total number of injured reported to be at least 25. Rival claims over the violence Moktar Hossain Sarkar, grandson of Sebu Sarkar, alleged that after their group returned to the village, supporters of Azgar Ali Sarkar attacked them, vandalised houses and looted property, including cattle. However, Sadek Member, a leader of the Azgar Ali Sarkar group, denied the allegations. “Both sides were involved in attacks. We did not carry out any looting,” he said. One dies, another sent to Dhaka The injured were taken to Banchharampur Upazila Health Complex and Narsingdi District Sadar Hospital for treatment. Doctors declared Jewel Mia dead after he was brought to the hospital. Another seriously injured man, identified as Swadhin Mia, was later referred to Dhaka for advanced treatment. Medical Officer of Banchharampur Upazila Health Complex Litton Abdullah said Jewel Mia had died before he was brought to the hospital. Weapons recovered Banchharampur Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Yasin said the clash stemmed from a long-standing dispute between the two groups over local dominance. Police recovered one firearm, five live cocktails and five rounds of ammunition from the scene, he said. The OC added that the situation was currently under control and additional police had been deployed in the area to prevent any further escalation. Police said legal action against those involved in the clash was being processed and efforts were underway to identify the persons responsible for the violence. Police and local authorities are continuing to monitor the situation in Shantipur to maintain law and order.