15 people injured in clashes over drug trade in Jashore

At least 15 people were injured in a clash between villagers and suspected drug peddlers in Jhikargacha upazila of Jashore yesterday evening.

The clashes broke out around 8:30 p.m. following a dispute between residents and residents of suspected drug dealer Abdul Khalek, said Bablur Rahman Khan, station house officer of Jhikargacha police station.

He added that the confrontation resulted in brutal bomb attacks and vandalism, which damaged five houses and two shops.

The police arrived at the scene and restored order. The situation is now under control.

A local Nurunnabi grocery store and police said the problem arose yesterday afternoon when Monirul, a tea seller, berated Abdul Khalek for his involvement in drug dealing and asked him not to gather at his stall.

A furious Abdul Khalek allegedly hired a group of 15-20 people led by Pinu (25), his brother-in-law Zafar (22) and Jihad (20) to beat up Monirul.

However, the villagers resisted the bandits, which led to clashes, a police official said, quoting eyewitnesses.

Among the injured, three people – 20-year-old Fatema, 22-year-old Sakina and 19-year-old Riyad – are being treated in a critical condition at the Jhikargacha Upazila health center.

“We were informed about clashes, bomb attacks and vandalism related to drug trafficking. So far, no case has been brought in this case,” the prosecutor added.