An HSC candidate was killed allegedly in police firing aimed to subdue a prevailing clash in Sirajganj municipality yesterday.
Locals, who were already clashing in the area, fumed further and went on a rampage, vandalising and setting fire to several establishments, including a police outpost.
Police admitted to have fired shotgun rounds but claimed those “were not supposed to be lethal.”
The deceased was identified as Al Kamal, 18, son of Majnu Sheikh from Puthibari area of the district and an HSC candidate from Islamia Government College.
Police charged batons to quell a dispute between residents of Atapara and Chandali areas yesterday evening, Sirajganj Sadar Officer-in-Charge Habibul Islam said.
“Locals, armed with sharp weapons, were clashing in the area. They vandalised and set fire to some houses in the area when police arrived and drove into action,” he added.
“Shortgun rounds were fired. These rounds are not fatal and no one should have died shot by these bullets. We are not sure who shot the boy.”
Locals said Al Kamal and another boy named Fazal, son of Abdur Rahman, were shot at the scene. Kamal died on the way to a hospital.
Angered locals later brought out a procession with the body of the boy. They vandalised several shops and establishments in Dhanbandi, Islamia college road and Elliot bridge areas.
A police outpost was also vandalised during this time. Police were compelled to fire shotgun rounds again to contain the situation.
Reinforcements from Sirajganj Sadar police station and the Detective Branch were soon dispatched for aid.
North Bengal Medical College Hospital emergency unit’s Dr Masud said injured Kamal was referred to Bogra Medical College Hospital for better treatment.
“He was brought in injured severely by splinters. However, he succumbed immediately after being taken into an ambulance,” the doctor said.
Sirajganj Superintendent of Police SM Imran Hossain said police were compelled to action to subdue “a rampage prevailing through the area. Several houses and shops were vandalised and burned.”
However, he could not tell how the teenager died. “Necessary actions will be taken after investigation,” he said.