2 shot on Padma River char, 1 injured man missing

Two people were shot during a late-night gun attack in Kalidaskhali of Chakrajapur Union under Baghha upazila in Rajshahi, while one of the injured remains missing.

The incident took place on a char area along the Padma River on Monday night (May 18).

The injured were identified as Swapan Bepari, 40, son of Siddiq Bepari of Kalidaskhali, and Ziaul Haque, 35, son of Shukur Ali of Nichpalashi. However, despite bloodstains being found at the scene, the whereabouts of Swapan remain unknown.

According to local sources, a group of robbers arrived in the char area by boat or trawler around midnight. Swapan allegedly flashed a torchlight toward them, which enraged the attackers. The group then opened fire, injuring both Swapan and Ziaul.

Ziaul, who was returning home after fishing in the Padma River, reportedly approached the scene after hearing locals shouting and was also hit by gunfire. He was later rescued and taken to hospital.

Swapan’s father, Siddiq Bepari, claimed that 15 to 16 armed men arrived on two trawlers and began firing indiscriminately.

“My sleep broke after hearing gunshots. When I came outside, they were hurling abuses at me. They caught my son Swapan in front of the house, shot him, and took him away on their trawler,” he said.

Former ward member Shahidul Islam said the area has a sand quarry, and violent incidents frequently occur over its control. He added that the exact circumstances behind the shooting were still unclear.

Police later visited the scene and found bloodstains. The area remains tense following the incident.

Officer-in-Charge of Bagha Police Station Serajul Haque said police were investigating the matter.