Criminals shot dead a young man at Darbeshpur village, infested by banned extremist groups in Kushtia’s sadar upazila early today (Friday).

The deceased was identified as Raju Ahmed, 34, son of Montaz Mandal of Darbeshpur village. He worked in a private company.

Police said the killings may have been based on a long-run hectic attempts of dominance by various groups in the area.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Kushtia Model Police Sabbirul Alam quoted family members of the deceased as saying that Raju was sleeping at home as usual. The opponents suddenly surrounded the whole house at about 1.30:am. Raju was taken out of his house and shot in front of his family members. Raju was rushed to Kushtia General Hospital where the on-duty doctor declared him dead.

The OC said there were several levels of groupings in the area.

The OC, who did not want to be named, said two of the top leaders of an extremist group also had two active groups.

A cousin of the deceased told this correspondent on condition of anonymity that they knew the killers but were afraid to name. He said that apart from the extremists, many district level leaders of the Awami League have been collaborating with different groups on various issues of politics with their long dominance in the area. The result of all this is such murder.
He said that on September 4, the same group attacked Mamun, a member of Kushtia Zilla Parishad and severely beat him. Mamun is still undergoing treatment.

Sources said Mamun leads a group.

Abdul Alim, who led another group said on his mobile phone that many people in the area are involved in a long-running dispute. He said it is difficult to understand when who are killing or injuring to others.

OC said the operation was continuing in the area. He said that they will be suppressed with strict hands.

No case has been registered in this regard yet.