Drug Gang Feud Leaves Schoolboy Shot in Comilla

A criminal case has been filed following the shooting of a 12-year-old schoolboy during violent clashes linked to drug trafficking and territorial rivalry in the Katabil area of Comilla city. Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the incident, while authorities continue searching for several others believed to have fled the area.

The case was lodged on Thursday night at Comilla Kotwali Model Police Station by the victim’s father, Yunus Mia. According to police, the First Information Report names six accused individuals and includes five to six unidentified suspects. Investigators allege that most of those named are well-known drug traffickers operating in the Katabil locality.

Officer-in-Charge Touhidul Anwar confirmed on Friday morning that one suspect, 22-year-old Shraban, had been taken into custody. Although his name does not appear in the formal complaint, police said he was present at the scene during the shooting and has been arrested on suspicion of involvement. He is expected to be produced before a court as the investigation progresses.

The injured boy, Ethan Ahmed, is a sixth-grade student at Katabil Rafiq Uddin Memorial High School. His father, who operates an amusement ride at Comilla City Park, said the bullet entered his son’s back during the violence. Speaking with anguish, he questioned why his innocent child had become a victim and called for exemplary punishment for those responsible. He also urged the authorities to crack down on drug traffickers, warning that they would become even more reckless without decisive action.

Ethan’s mother, Sonia Akter, said tensions had been escalating for several days between two rival groups, allegedly led by local figures known as Opu and Sabbir, over control of the area’s drug trade. She explained that her only son had gone to school as usual and was leaving during the lunch break when he was struck by gunfire. She expressed deep concern over his condition and the devastating impact the incident has had on the family.

Police and local residents said Katabil has experienced long-running disputes between rival groups competing for dominance over the local narcotics trade. The situation intensified on Wednesday night when confrontations between the opposing factions reportedly involved chases and the detonation of crude explosive devices. Police were subsequently deployed in an effort to restore order.

On Thursday afternoon, local residents organised an anti-drug human chain under a community banner. According to witnesses, armed individuals attacked the gathering after the programme concluded, triggering fresh clashes and exchanges of gunfire. At least five people were injured in the violence, including Ethan, who suffered the most serious injuries.

Doctors at Comilla Medical College Hospital said the bullet entered through Ethan’s back and also damaged one of his lungs. Acting Director Mohammad Shahjahan stated that the hospital could not admit him to intensive care because no ICU bed was available. After emergency treatment, he was transferred to Dhaka Medical College Hospital for advanced care, where he remains under treatment.

Police said raids are continuing to apprehend the remaining suspects, many of whom are believed to have fled following the incident. Multiple teams from both the district police and the Detective Branch are conducting operations to locate those involved.

The shooting has also drawn a strong political response. On Thursday night, Member of Parliament Monirul Haque Chowdhury visited Ethan’s family and voiced frustration over the deteriorating drug situation in the area. Addressing local police officials, he said it was unacceptable for drug traffickers to operate freely while schoolchildren were unable to attend school safely. He stressed that both elected representatives and law enforcement must remain accountable to the public.

Later the same evening, during a meeting with administrative officials at the Comilla Circuit House, the MP described the incident as evidence that the spread of narcotics had reached an intolerable level. He instructed authorities to take firm action against drug traffickers and said the matter could be raised with the Home Minister and the Home Secretary if stronger intervention became necessary.