One killed, 20 injured in Thakurgaon clash over land dispute

The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon in Karigaon village, located in Haripur union of the district. 

The deceased was identified as Kandhan Soren, son of Rentu Soren and a resident of the Shihipur village in Dangipara union.

Among the injured were both members of the indigenous Santal community and local Bengali residents. Some of the injured include Pobirul Islam, Nur Islam, Jahidul Islam, Ashik, Jahangir Alam, Habibur Rahman, and Shafi. From the Santal community, the injured were identified as Sushila Soren, Mariam Soren, Laksiram Hasda, and Shaniram Hasda. However, many of the injured remain unidentified.

According to police and witnesses, the clash stemmed from a long-standing land dispute between the indigenous Santal community and local Bengali residents. The dispute has lasted over 50 years over 39 bighas of land in Karigaon mouza of union. On the afternoon of the incident, members of the indigenous community gathered to build houses on the disputed land. Local Bengali residents attempted to stop the construction, which escalated into a violent confrontation. During the altercation, Kandhan Soren was killed, and around 20 individuals from both sides were injured.

Dangipara Union Parishad chairman Ahsan Habib Chowdhury confirmed the information.

Haripur Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Muhammed Shariful Islam stated that police have recovered the body and sent it for autopsy. 

Following the autopsy, the body will be handed over to the deceased's family and a case has been filed at the police station in connection with the incident and an investigation is ongoing.