3 including UP member killed in clash between 2 groups in Madaripur

Three people including a UP member and his son were killed in a clash between two groups over establishing supremacy at Kalkini upazila in Madaripur.

Ten more people were injured in the accident that took place on Friday (December 27) morning.

The deceased are UP member Ataur Rahman Akhter Sikder (48) and his son Maruf Sikder (20). The two were hacked to death. In addition, Sirajul Islam Chowkidar (35), a supporter of the UP member who was injured in the clash, died on the way to Dhaka.

Sources said there are several cases including a murder case against Akhter Sikder.

Police and locals said that Banshgari Union Parishad (UP) Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Sumon and UP member Akhter Sikder of Ward No-8 of the same union had been in a dispute for a long time over establishing supremacy in the area. Several murders and clashes also took place in the area over the dispute. Akhter Sikder and his family members were out of the area for a long time due to these cases.

Locals said a fire broke out in Akhter Sikder's house early Thursday morning. On information, Akhter and his son Maruf came to the area accompanied by their supporters on Friday (December 27) morning. When the news spread, UP Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Sumon's people armed with locally-made weapons attacked Akhter. This led to a clash between the two groups. During the clash, Akhter Sikder and his son Maruf Sikder were hacked to death. Several cocktails also exploded at that time.

Meanwhile, additional army, RAB and police have been deployed in the area due to the tense situation prevailing after the clash. However, no one has been arrested in the incident so far.

After the incident, Matin Sikder, the father of the deceased UP member, said, "My son and grandson were killed in a planned manner by Chairman Sumon and his people. Another of our supporters also died in the incident. We want justice for this."

On the other hand, UP Chairman Mostafizur Rahman Sumon said, "False allegations have been made against me. I also want justice for this through a fair investigation."

In this regard, Kalkini Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Uttam Kumar Das said, “Law enforcement officers have been deployed in the area following the murder. The situation is under control of the administration. It seems to be a planned murder. Multiple police teams are working to catch the criminals.”