Violence erupted when two groups of men, who are involved with the ruling party, collided over business rivalry that left two injured in the capital’s Mirpur area yesterday.
Witnesses and police said Jubo League activists, along with leaders Pallab, Riad and Hazrat Ali Bhutto, of Ward 13 were hanging out in front of Baishakhi Bhaban in the area when another group of Jubo League activists led by Mahbub and Kamrul arrived on motorbikes around 2:15pm.
They suddenly opened fire at the first group using small firearms, which injured Bhutto, 42, a local Awamil League leader, and Mainuddin, 42, a passer-by.
Bhutto was hit by bullets in his throat and right shoulder, while Mainuddin was shot in his abdomen.
The first group retaliated with bullets and, with the help of the locals, chased the attackers away.
However, Kamrul of the second group was left behind by accident. He got caught and was beaten by the first group and then handed over to the police.
Both Bhutto and Mainuddin were rushed to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Doctors said Bhutto is in a critical condition.
Sub-Inspector Emanur of Rampura police station said they had rescued Kamrul from the mob and recovered two pistols and two rounds of bullets from the spot. They also seized a motorbike used in the attack.
Imtiaj Ahmed, deputy commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Mirpur Division, said they had arrested some youths from the spot.
“We will interrogate them. Besides, police teams are conducting raids in the area. The situation has been brought under control,” he said.
Accroding to locals, Riad and Pallab have a cable TV business. Their feud started with Mahbub and Kamrul when they tried to take over Riad and Pallab’s market with their own business.
