2 shot dead over 'drug trade' dispute, another hacked dead in Khulna

Three people, including two suspected drug dealers, were killed and another was injured in separate incidents in Rupsa and Harintana areas of Khulna on Thursday night (26 June).

The deceased are suspected drug smugglers— Sabbir, Saddam, and sand trader Bablu Dutta.

Another victim, Miraz, who sustained bullet injuries, fled from a private hospital after receiving first aid.

According to locals, the deaths of Sabbir and Saddam resulted from a longstanding dispute between the drug dealers Sohag and Ashique groups in Rajapur area under Rupsa police station.

Around 10:30pm on Thursday, Sabbir, Saddam, and Miraz went Sohag's Rajapur residence. On information, a group of 10 to 12 people led by one Sazzad Hossain of the Ashique group swooped on the house and opened fire, leaving Sabbir dead on the spot and Saddam and Miraz critically injured.

As the attackers fled, locals took Saddam to Khulna Medical College Hospital with bullet injuries, where physicians referred him to Dhaka.

Saddam succumbed to his injuries on the way to Dhaka, while Miraz managed to flee after receiving first aid.

Rupsa police station OC Mustafizur Rahman said they are working to identify the accused involved with the murders.

The dominance over the drug smuggling in the area might have led to the casualties, he added.

Meanwhile, around 9 on the same night, miscreants slaughtered sand and land trader Bablu on his way home in the Rajbandha area under the Harintana Police Station.

Bablu was intercepted by unknown individuals in the Rajbandha area while he was returning home on a bike. He was taken to an under-construction building and slaughtered.

On information from locals, a police team rushed to the spot and recovered the body, said Harintana police station OC Sheikh Khairul Bashar.

The body has been sent to KMCH morgue for an autopsy, and efforts are underway to nab the culprits, he added.