3 killed in clashes between rival groups in Madaripur
There had long been a dispute between the Fakir and Shikdar groups over establishing dominance in the area
Three people, including a union parishad (UP) member, were killed and 10 others injured in a series of clashes between two local groups over establishing supremacy in Kalkini upazila of Madaripur today (27 December), said police.
The deceased were identified as Aktar Shikdar, 40, member of the Ward No 8 of Banshgari union, his son Maruf Shikdar, 18, and a local named Sirajul Chowkidar, 35.
Locals and police said there had long been a dispute between Fakir and Shikdar groups over establishing dominance in the area.
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Aktar Shikdar held the post of senior vice president of the Ward No 8 unit of Awami League (AL) and fled the area after the fall of Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August.
The UP member and his followers were trying to enter the area from Natun Bazar area of nearby Shariatpur district early today. Hearing this, his rival Jalil Shikdar of the Fakir group gathered people to resist Aktar.
At one stage, both groups locked into clashes with lethal weapons and hurled bombs at each other, leaving the UP member dead on the spot and 12 others injured.
Maruf was rushed to nearby Shariatpur Sadar Hospital where physicians declared him dead upon arrival.
Sirajul, a day labour by profession and a member of the Shikdar group, succumbed to his injuries on way to Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
The 10 injured were admitted to the health complexes at Barishal's Muladi and Shariatpur's Damudya upazilas.
Banshgari UP Chairman Mostafizur Rahman said Aktar was accused in 35 cases, including five on murder charges.
The clash erupted when the Fakir group tried to resist the entry of the Shikdar group, he said, adding that both groups exploded bombs during the clashes, spreading panic in the area.
Kalkini police station Officer-in-Charge Md Humayun Kabir also confirmed the deaths of the three. Processes were underway to send the bodies to the Sadar hospital morgue for autopsies, he said.
He said joint drives were underway to arrest those involved in the incident.
Bhaskar Saha, additional superintendent of police (admin and finance) of Madaripur, said additional members of police, Rapid Action Battalion and army were deployed to prevent any unwanted incident further and the situation was now under control.
