Seven injured in clash over imam appointment in Chapainawabganj's Shibganj, houses vandalised
At least seven people have been injured in a clash between two groups over the appointment of an imam at a mosque in Shibganj, Chapainawabganj. Four to five houses were vandalised at the time and one house was allegedly looted. The incident happened at noon on Friday at the Jame Mosque of Baluchar village in Kansat union of the upazila.
The injured are Shafik Ali, Khalil, Anwar Hossain, Abdus Salam, Tohrul, Rasel Ali and Abul Hayat. Three of them are being treated at the upazila health complex and the others at different hospitals.
Police and witnesses said two groups had formed among worshippers over whether the mosque's current imam, Md Abdul Latif, would remain in the post. After Friday Jummah prayers, a voice vote was held and most worshippers favoured keeping Abdul Latif as imam. One group, however, opposed it.
An argument first broke out between the two sides over the issue. It later turned into a clash, with people of both sides attacking each other with sticks. At least seven people were injured.
After the clash, at least four to five houses were vandalised. One house was allegedly looted. The affected family complained that attackers looted about Tk 700,000 and seven bhori of gold ornaments from their house. A motorcycle, an air conditioner, an almirah and other furniture, and the window glass of the house were also vandalised.
Officer-in-charge Matiur Rahman said police were sent to the spot after receiving news of reciprocal attacks between the two sides over a trivial matter. Police brought the situation under control. The injured were rescued and arrangements were made for their treatment at the upazila health complex. Legal action is being taken against those involved in the incident, he said.
