22 injured in Ctg's Banshkhali shootout reportedly over salt field dispute

A shootout, reportedly over a salt field dispute, in Chattogram's Banshkhali upazila left at least 22 people injured on Tuesday (22 April).

The incident took place between two groups around 2pm in the Natun Bazar area of Uttar Saral village under Saral Union, a video of which was widely spread on social media.

Poice, however, denied there was any incident of a gunfight despite health officials and locals saying otherwise.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Banshkhali Police Station Saiful Islam said, "Both parties were hurling brick-bats."

Regarding the clash, he said, "Police were deployed to the site, and I was present at the scene in person. A manhunt is underway to arrest those involved in the attack."

According to locals, the gunfight erupted between two rival groups — known locally as the Kabir group and the Mansur group — stemming from long-standing tensions over control of salt farming land.

Eyewitnesses said the Kabir group launched an unprovoked attack with firearms on members of the Mansur group while they were working in the salt fields.

All 22 injured individuals, reportedly from the Mansur group, sustained pellet gunshot wounds and were admitted to the Banshkhali Upazila Health Complex. 

Speaking to reporters this evening, Dr Sushmita Chowdhury of the health complex said four of the injured were in critical condition and were referred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for advanced treatment.

The critically injured are Forkan; Jamir Uddin; Nur Hossain; and Mahim, Dr Chowdhury said. 

"All injuries are from shotgun pellets. As our hospital lacks the necessary surgical facilities to remove pellets, more patients may be referred to CMCH gradually."

Banshkhali's coastal Saral area has long been a hotspot for violence over land and salt field control, according to locals.

In the video, an injured man was seen standing in front of shuttered shops and pleading for help amid what appears to be an ongoing gunfight. Wearing a cap and showing injuries on his hands and face, he cries out for help, claiming he and many others were shot during an unprovoked attack.

"You see this? They're shooting at us. So many people have been shot," he said. 

"I was shot while I was coming to the market just to have tea. They shot me in the hand and the leg. They're hiding and shooting at us. Please, we need help from the law."

He can be heard saying his father was shot and hospitalised, adding, "Many of our people have been hurt badly. We're asking for justice."

As he spoke, gunshots could be heard in the background. The surrounding shops were closed. At one point, a man holding a firearm was seen slipping behind a structure. More gunfire could be heard shortly after.