Rajshahi, Jan 05 (V7N) — Violence linked to land grabbing in the Padma River char areas of Bagha upazila in Rajshahi has intensified, with another killing reported late Saturday night, spreading fresh fear among local residents.

According to local sources, Sohel, 40, son of Kalu Mondol of Karali Nosara village under Palashi Fatepur area of Gargari Union, was shot dead at his home on Saturday night. The killing came amid an ongoing dispute over char land allegedly involving the notorious Kakan gang.

The latest murder follows an earlier incident in which four people were shot, two of whom later died. The repeated attacks have heightened panic across the region.

Witnesses said that late Saturday night, armed members of the Kakan gang arrived by speedboat through the river route and opened indiscriminate fire from outside Sohel’s house before entering the premises. Sohel was shot multiple times while asleep. His wife, Sadia Begum, was injured during the attack. Believing Sohel to be dead, the assailants fled the scene.

Family members and locals rushed Sohel to Bagha Upazila Health Complex around 1:30am, where the on-duty physician, Dr Humaira Begum, declared him dead.

The Kakan gang first drew widespread attention following a double murder on October 28 last year. In that case, a murder lawsuit was filed at Daulatpur Police Station in Kushtia, naming Kakan as the prime accused along with 22 others. The case was lodged by Minhaj Mondol, father of victim Aman.

Following the shooting of four people in Khanpur Bazaar, families of the victims and local residents formed a human chain on October 31, 2025, demanding justice and the death penalty for those responsible. Speaking at the demonstration, Minhaj Mondol alleged that Kakan and his associates openly patrol the river routes in speedboats carrying firearms and called for their immediate arrest.

Another local resident, Mahabul Alam, said Sahabul Islam of Khanpur village was critically injured by gunfire last year while protesting crop looting by the gang and had to undergo treatment in Dhaka.

Residents claim the Kakan gang has become a major source of fear across the Padma char areas of Bagha in Rajshahi, Lalpur in Natore, and Daulatpur in Kushtia. Allegations include illegal occupation of char land and sand ghats, extortion, and armed attacks. The char dwellers of Bagha are said to be the most affected.

Earlier this week, gunfire erupted again near the Padma River in Khanpur over land and straw occupation, leaving four people injured. Two of them, Aman and Najmul, later died, while the injured were identified as Muntaz and Rakib.

Following the human chain protest, a joint operation by law enforcement agencies from Rajshahi, Natore, and Kushtia districts led to the detention of around 15 suspects within a week. However, Kakan reportedly remains at large.

Bagha Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Serajul Haque said police rushed to the scene upon receiving information and spoke with local residents. He added that preparations were underway to file a case and assured that necessary legal action would be taken.

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