Khulna NCP leader shot over 'domestic dispute': Police
Police have searched the scene where Shikder was shot and recovered evidence of drug use, a bullet shell casing and indications of a woman’s presence
Police initially believe that NCP leader Md Motaleb Shikder was shot during a suspected domestic dispute at a rented house in Sonadanga area of Khulna.
Shikder, the Khulna divisional head of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and a central organiser of the party's labour wing, Jatiya Sramik Shakti, was shot by unidentified individuals in the city this morning (22 December).
The attack occurred at around 11:45am at a house on Masjid road, adjacent to Gazi Medical College Hospital.
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Police suspect the incident may have stemmed from a dispute or conflict involving drugs and a woman.
Police have searched the scene where Motaleb Shikder was shot and recovered evidence of drug use, a bullet shell casing and indications of a woman's presence.
According to police, the house had been rented in November by a young woman named Tonni, who was living there with her husband. Local sources said that Motaleb Sikder regularly visited the house.
Immediately after the shooting, Tonni and her husband went into hiding. During a search of the room where the incident took place, police found narcotics-related equipment and remnants, indicating drug use. A spent bullet shell was also recovered from inside the room.
After inspecting the scene, Khulna Metropolitan Police (KMP) Deputy Commissioner (South) Tajul Islam said the case had become more mysterious due to the disappearance of the tenant couple.
He added that efforts are underway to identify and arrest them.
Meanwhile, Shikder was taken to Khulna Medical College Hospital, where doctors said the bullet did not penetrate his skull. Instead, the skin of his head was ruptured. He is currently out of danger.
Animesh Mondal, officer-in-charge (investigation) of Sonadanga Model Police Station, told The Business Standard, "A man named Motaleb was shot. Locals rescued him and took him to Khulna Medical College Hospital, from where he was moved to the City Imaging Centre for advanced imaging tests."
The police official added that the motive behind the shooting remains unclear and the identities of those involved are yet to be established.
Law enforcers have already launched a drive to apprehend the attacker, he said.
Dr Md Abdul Ahad, resident physician in the neurosurgery department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and joint chief coordinator of the NCP, also confirmed the matter to TBS.
Earlier, on 12 December, Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi, suffered a critical head injury after being shot by assailants in Dhaka's Paltan area.
After receiving initial treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Evercare Hospital, he was airlifted to Singapore on 15 December for advanced medical care. He passed away at Singapore General Hospital on 18 December, and his body was brought back to Bangladesh a day after.
