Gunfire and Clashes Over Disputed Land Trigger Panic in Chattogram's Khulshi

A violent dispute over land ownership escalated into early-morning gunfire, chases, and counter-chases between two rival groups in the Deborpar area under Khulshi Police Station on Monday.

The armed confrontation left several people injured, forced local shops to shutter and trapped terrified residents inside their homes for hours.

According to local sources, simmering tensions from Sunday night exploded into open conflict around 4:00 AM on Monday when residents were startled awake by the sound of rapid gunfire.

Panicked neighbors remained indoors, with several individuals capturing mobile video footage of the armed groups. As daylight broke, the violence intensified into a full-scale clash. Supporters from both factions occupied positions around the disputed property, attacking each other with sticks, sharp locally made weapons, and brickbats.

"The land dispute has been going on for days, with both sides stubbornly claiming ownership," an eyewitness reported. "By morning, it turned into an absolute battlefield."

Local residents alleged that law enforcement agencies failed to arrive at the scene for nearly three hours after the shooting started, allowing the situation to spiral out of control. Out of fear, shopkeepers partially closed their businesses, and parents strictly prohibited children from stepping outside.

A contingent of police and other law enforcement personnel finally arrived at the scene around 7:00 AM to restore order and disperse the crowds. While locals believe multiple people sustained injuries during the three-hour melee, hospitals have not yet released an official casualty count.

Md. Ariful Islam, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Khulshi Police Station under the Chattogram Metropolitan Police (CMP), confirmed the incident and stated that the situation is now under surveillance.

"Upon receiving reports of gunfire, police forces rushed to the spot and are actively working to maintain peace," OC Ariful Islam said. "We are reviewing video footage and eyewitness accounts to identify and arrest those involved in the violence and illegal arms use."