FROM PAGE 4

dispute between the two families over control of the shoal land in the Madhumati river.

Locals alleged that members of the Biswas family attacked a youth named Arif Sheikh with a fishing spear while he was travelling on the Chitalmari-Patgati road.

The incident quickly escalated into a series of clashes between the two groups. Witnesses said more than 200 people, allegedly led by Sayad Biswas and Sohag Member, launched a coordinated attack on the Sheikh family’s homes.

“They came with weapons, started beating people, and set our houses on fire,” said local resident Md Bablu Sheikh. “As we tried to resist, police arrived and dispersed our people, while the attackers set fire to our homes right in front of them.”

The damage extended to several multi-storey buildings.

Abdul Wadud, station officer at Chitalmari Fire Service, said four firefighting units worked for three hours to douse the blazes.

Police have arrested one Sourav Biswas, 19, in connection with the incident, while Rajib’s body has been sent to Khulna Medical College Hospital morgue for an autopsy, said Bagerhat Additional Superintendent of Police (Sadar Circle) Md Shamim Hossain.

Additional police personnel have been deployed to prevent further clashes, while drives are on to arrest the culprits, he added.