An elderly man has been brutally killed following a long-standing local dispute in Sirajganj district, Bangladesh, in what authorities believe to be a retaliatory attack linked to years of inter-family conflict.
The incident occurred late on Sunday night in the Dattapara Elangjani village under Lahiri Mohanpur Union in Ullapara upazila. The victim, identified as 60-year-old Abdus Sobahan, was hacked to death inside his home by unidentified assailants who allegedly entered by breaking through a wall. His wife, Shefali Khatun, attempted to intervene during the attack but sustained serious injuries after being assaulted by the intruders.
Shortly after the incident, villagers managed to detain one suspect, Haydul Islam, who was found with blood-stained clothing. He was subsequently handed over to Ullapara Model Police Station, where he is currently being interrogated.
According to family members and local sources, the violence stems from a prolonged dispute over a mosque-adjacent pond in the village. The conflict, involving Abdus Sobahan on one side and individuals identified locally as Bablu, Motaleb, Saiful, and Haydul Islam on the other, has persisted for several years. The dispute previously escalated into deadly violence approximately three years ago when Sobahan’s son, Selim Ahmed, was killed in clashes linked to the same issue.
A murder case was filed at Ullapara Model Police Station following that earlier incident, and the case is currently pending testimony at a court in Sirajganj.
Sobahan’s daughter, Sabina Khatun, has alleged that her father had been receiving repeated threats aimed at forcing the withdrawal of the earlier case. She claimed the attack was premeditated and carried out to prevent further legal proceedings, calling for swift and exemplary justice.
Former local council member Abul Hossain also confirmed that tensions over the pond had long divided the community, stating that villagers broadly believe the killing was an outcome of entrenched enmity.
Police have recovered the body and sent it for post-mortem examination. Officials stated that initial findings suggest the murder was driven by previous enmity, and legal proceedings are being prepared against those involved.
Key details of the incident
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Abdus Sobahan (60), former dairy cooperative manager |
| Location | Dattapara Elangjani village, Ullapara, Sirajganj |
| Time | Late night, Sunday (10 May) |
| Alleged motive | Long-standing dispute over mosque pond |
| Related past incident | Death of victim’s son in earlier clashes |
| Arrested suspect | Haydul Islam (detained with blood-stained clothing) |
| Police action | Investigation underway, body sent for autopsy |
Authorities continue to investigate the case as tensions remain high in the locality.