Thirty injured in clashes between two villages over lost hajj luggage in Brahmanbaria
Photo Collected
A dispute over a lost piece of luggage belonging to a returning pilgrim escalated into a violent clash between residents of two villages in Brahmanbaria’s Kasba upazila on Saturday, leaving at least 30 people injured. The confrontation, which spanned several hours, paralyzed the Kadamtali area as factions from Shahpur and Araibari villages engaged in running battles with traditional weapons.
The unrest began earlier this week following the return of 62-year-old Mariam Begum from her Hajj pilgrimage. Upon realizing her luggage had been lost during the journey, her family visited the “Kasba Hajj Kafela” travel agency, operated by Mohammad Gias Uddin in Araibari village, to demand its recovery. Tensions flared when agency staff insisted that pilgrims are responsible for their own belongings. The argument devolved into an altercation and property damage at the agency’s office, establishing a volatile atmosphere that culminated in Saturday’s large-scale skirmish.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Starting at 10:00 a.m., residents from both villages confronted one another wielding sticks, knives, machetes, and spears. The chaos caused the closure of local businesses and blocked traffic at the Kadamtali junction, while multiple shops were vandalized during the ensuing melee. Law enforcement, alongside local administrative officials, arrived to restore order as the violence spilled across several locations in the two villages.
Police eventually dispersed the crowds by firing approximately 20 canisters of tear gas, bringing an end to the fighting by midday as rain began to fall. Those injured in the clashes were transported for medical treatment at the Kasba Upazila Health Complex, Brahmanbaria General Hospital, and Comilla Medical College Hospital.
বিজ্ঞাপন
Kasba Police Station Officer-in-Charge Naznin Sultana confirmed that the situation was brought under control by noon. She stated that additional police units have been deployed to the area to prevent any further violence. Efforts to reach the travel agency director, Mohammad Gias Uddin, for comment were unsuccessful as his mobile phone remained powered off.
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