Pabna, Aug 10 (V7N) — One man was shot and injured when a group allegedly attacked a human chain organised by a rival group in the Shibpur area of Atgharia upazila in Pabna on Sunday.

The injured man was identified as Ikram Molla, 50, of Kadim Bagdipara village in Atgharia. He was taken to Pabna General Hospital for treatment.

The incident occurred at around 10:30am in front of the main gate of Shibpur Taha Islamia Fazil Madrasa.

According to local residents, tensions had recently emerged over allegations concerning two teachers of the madrasa — assistant teacher Shamsul Alam Manju and lecturer Afroza Khatun.

A group of local residents had organised a human chain on August 3 demanding action against the two teachers over allegations of unethical and antisocial activities.

In response, another group called a counter-human chain on Sunday, saying the allegations against the teachers were part of a campaign of misinformation and a conspiracy against them.

Witnesses said participants had gathered in front of the madrasa carrying a banner when Tipu Biswas, 42, and several associates allegedly arrived and took the banner away, preventing the programme from continuing.

The group allegedly confronted the participants after they tried to resist. At one point, Biswas reportedly drew a pistol and fired a blank round before allegedly shooting Ikram Molla in the abdomen.

The alleged shooter and his associates fled the scene after local people chased them, according to witnesses.

Residents rescued the injured man and took him to Pabna General Hospital. Police from Atgharia and Ataikula stations later visited the area following reports of the incident.

Tensions remained high between the two sides following the shooting. After the situation came under control, supporters and relatives of the two teachers held another human chain, where speakers demanded the arrest and punishment of those responsible for the attack.

They alleged that a group had been spreading false accusations against the two teachers and attempting to damage the reputation of the madrasa.

Assistant teacher Shamsul Alam Manju denied the allegations against him, saying he had never been involved in any unethical relationship and claimed that a group was attempting to remove him from the institution through a conspiracy.

Atgharia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nazmul Haque said police visited the scene immediately after receiving information about the incident.

“No complaint has been filed yet. If a complaint is submitted, legal action will be taken following an investigation,” he said.

Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to prevent further escalation, the officer added.

Attempts to obtain comments from Tipu Biswas and his associates regarding the allegations were unsuccessful.

END/MSR/SMA/