Three people including a woman were killed and at least nine others injured in a clash between two rival groups over a land dispute in Kurigram's Nageshwari upazila on Sunday morning.
The deceased were identified as Ershad Ali, 42, his paternal aunt Kulshum Begum, 55, and Kawser Mia, 32.
According to locals, the land dispute over 16 decimals in Dhoni Gagla village of Santoshpur Union had been ongoing for years between Altaf Hossain and Ershad Ali, with both sides claiming ownership.
The clash erupted around 11:30am after an argument over the land demarcation. Supporters from both sides soon armed themselves with sticks, sharp weapons, and other locally made arms, engaging in a fierce confrontation.
Ershad and Kulshum died on the spot while Kawser Mia, 32, died on the way to the hospital.
Eyewitness Jahirul Islam said no one tried to intervene, as both groups were armed with sticks, sharp weapons, and other locally made arms.
He added that villagers are now fearing further violence.
At least nine injured persons have been admitted to Nageshwari Upazila Health Complex and other hospitals. Among them, the conditions of Nur Mohammad and his elder brother are critical, said Dr Noor Islam, said a doctor from emergency department.
"Both have severe injuries to their heads, arms, and legs. Preparations are underway to transfer the two critically injured patients to Rangpur Medical College Hospital," he added.
Nageshwari Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rezaul Karim said, "This deadly clash erupted from a long-standing land dispute. Police rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control. We recovered three bodies and are monitoring the treatment of the injured."
He added that additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order, and patrols have been intensified. Several locally made weapons were seized from the scene, but no arrests have been made, and no case has been filed so far."
