Bangladeshi man shot dead by 'Indian Khasi' near Sylhet border
A Bangladeshi man was shot dead near the Sylhet border on Saturday night, in what authorities say was an attack carried out by members of India’s Khasi community.
The incident took place in the Lova Chora border area of Kanaighat Upazila, a zone long known for tensions linked to cross-border movement.
Police identified the victim as 45-year-old Jamal Uddin, a resident of Kandla Bangatila in Kanaighat. His body, found early Sunday within Bangladeshi territory, bore multiple gunshot wounds. Following recovery, it was sent to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital for an autopsy as part of the ongoing investigation.
According to local accounts, Jamal left home late Saturday along with several others. Police believe the group crossed into Indian territory to steal betel nuts — a practice that has led to repeated confrontations in border villages over the years.
Kanaighat Police Station chief Mohammad Abdul Awal said preliminary reports indicate that members of the Khasi community opened fire after spotting the group inside Indian borders.
“Several of them entered the Indian side to steal betel nuts. At that point, the Indian Khasis fired shots. Jamal was hit, and the others managed to drag him back into Bangladeshi territory,” Awal said.
The Bangladesh authorities are assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident, which adds to a growing number of cross-border fatalities linked to disputes over forest resources and informal trade routes. Further investigations are expected to determine whether a formal protest or diplomatic communication will be initiated with India.
.png "Advertisement")
