Hill-Bengali clash leaves 3 dead, 17 injured in Khagrachari
STAFF CORRESPONDENT
Three people were killed and at least 17 others injured, including four with gunshot wounds, in a clash between hill people and Bengalis in Dighinala and Sadar upazilas of Khagrachari early Friday.
Chattogram Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Ahsan Habib Palash confirmed the information to the media.
The deceased have been identified as Dhananjay Chakma (50), Rubel Tripura (25), and Junan Chakma (20).
DIG Palash said Dhananjay died at around 10:30pm on Thursday, while Rubel and Junan passed away around 1:30am. Dhananjay was injured in Dighinala, and Rubel and Junan were injured in Sadar upazila. They succumbed to their injuries while undergoing treatment at Khagrachari Modern Sadar Hospital.
Hospital sources confirmed that both Rubel and Junan had sustained gunshot injuries.
“After completing legal formalities, the bodies will be handed over to their families. Joint patrols by law enforcement agencies are ongoing to maintain peace,” DIG Palash added.
Ripal Bappi Chakma, Resident Medical Officer (RMO) of Khagrachari Modern Sadar Hospital, told The Daily Star that nine injured individuals from Dighinala and Sadar upazilas are currently receiving treatment at the hospital, while four others have been referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for better care.
Hospital authorities confirmed that the four referred patients had sustained gunshot wounds to their legs, waist, and abdomen.
Locals reported hearing gunfire in the Khagrachari Sadar area late on Thursday night. In Dighinala, many residents sought shelter in safer locations due to the growing tension.
“Gunfire was reported in Khagrachari town late Thursday night, and the situation remains volatile. Law enforcement agencies are patrolling the area, and we are making every effort to bring the situation under control,” DIG Palash said.
Khagrachari Deputy Commissioner Md Shahiduzzaman said, “Our teams are working tirelessly to maintain law and order. We are also engaging with local representatives and leaders to restore normalcy.”
On Thursday, at least 30 homes and business establishments of hill people were set on fire in Dighinala upazila, Khagrachari, in connection with the unrest.
