A 14-year-old eighth-grade student was shot dead during a violent clash between two rival groups over territorial control in Islampur’s Jhaljhali area of North Dinajpur late on Saturday night. The incident, marked by bomb explosions and gunfire, has triggered severe tension in the locality, prompting the deployment of a large police force. Two people have been arrested so far in connection with the case.
According to police sources, the deceased has been identified as Kausera Khatun, daughter of Zahid Alam, a resident of Jhaljhali under Matikunda-II Panchayat, within the jurisdiction of Islampur police station. Kausera was inside her house when the violence broke out and was critically injured by a bullet.
Local sources said the clash stemmed from a long-standing dispute over dominance in the area between two groups allegedly led by Rafiq Alam and Nur Alam. It is claimed that Zahid was close to Rafiq Alam, which led to Nur Alam’s supporters targeting his house on Saturday night.
Eyewitnesses reported that bomb blasts and gunfire erupted suddenly, creating panic across the area. Kausera was rushed to Islampur Sub-Divisional Hospital by her family members and neighbours, but doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Following the incident, tension escalated rapidly, with angry residents gathering in the area. A tense atmosphere continued to prevail in the area on Sunday morning, with additional police personnel deployed to prevent further violence.
Local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders claimed that preliminary information indicated the violence may have been triggered by an old land dispute. The police said that a detailed investigation has been initiated to determine the exact sequence of events and identify all those involved in the attack. The men in uniform remain on high alert as efforts continue to restore peace in the area.
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