Over 100 injured in three-hour clash between two villages in Habiganj Sadar over mobile phone theft

A clash has broken out between residents of two villages in Habiganj Sadar over a mobile phone theft. The clash between residents of Joyrampur in Rajiura Union and Nitairchak village in Nizampur Union ran for three straight hours from 10am to 1pm on Friday (6 November), injuring at least more than a hundred people from both sides.

Local residents said a mobile phone was stolen two days ago from the home of Nanu Mia in Nitairchak village. Jalal Mia of Joyrampur village was alleged to have been involved in the incident. An argument between the two sides over the allegation turned into a dispute.

Local elders arranged a salish meeting on Friday to settle the dispute. But before the meeting could begin at around 10am, residents of the two villages clashed with locally made weapons in their hands. Panic spread across the whole area.

On receiving the news, a police team led by Habiganj Sadar Model Police Station officer-in-charge (OC) Zahidul Haq reached the scene. Police fired several rounds of tear shells and blank shots to bring the situation under control. The clash was later brought under control through police intervention.

Those injured include Tofazzul Mia, Jitu Mia, Abdul Ahad, Adam Ali, Sohel Mia, Sanu Mia, Nanu Mia, Liton Mia, Nuruj Mia, Maraj Mia, Habibur Rahman, Emdadul Mia, Shish Ali, Parvez Mia, Bilal Mia and Akkas Mia, among many others. The injured were rescued and admitted to hospital.

OC Zahidul Haq said the situation is currently under control. Additional police have been deployed in the area to prevent a fresh clash.