A teenager and a candidate of the Higher Secondary Certificate examination has allegedly died shot in police fire – aimed to subdue a prevailing clash in Sirajganj municipality.
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 shortgun rounds what “was not supposed to be lethal.”
The deceased was identified as Al Kamal, 18, son of Majnu Sheikh from Puthibari area of the district and a HSC candidate from Islamia Government College.
Police charged batons to quell a prevailing dispute between Atapara and Chandali Mor areas on Sunday evening, Sirajganj Sadar police 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 Fazal, son of Abdur Rahman, were shot at scene. Kamal died on the way to a hospital.
Angered locals later brought out a cadaver procession. They vandalised several shops and establishments in on Dhanbandi, Islamia college road and Elliot bridge areas.
A police outpost was also vandalised during this time. Police were compelled to fire shortgun rounds again to contain the situation.
Reinforcements from Sirajganj Sadar police and the detective branch were soon dispatched for aid.
North Bengal Medical College Hospital emergency unit Doctor Masud said ailing Kamal was referred to Bogra Medical College Hospital for better treatments.
“He was brought in injured severely by bullet splinters. However, he succumbed immediately after being taken into an ambulance,” the doctor said.
Sirajganj police Superintendent SM Imran Hossain said police were compelled to action to subdue “a rampage prevailing through the area. Several houses, shops were vandalised and burned.”
However, he could not tell how the teenager died. “Necessary actions will be taken after investigation.”
Earlier on last week, locals locked into a clash over a dispute of gambling at Atapara. Frequent clashes occured almost everyday throughout the week.
