10 baul followers injured in Narsingdi police firing
Our Correspondent, Narsingdi
At least 15 people including 5 policemen were injured, some sustaining bullet injuries, when police opened fire during a clash with Baul supporters in the remote Darikandi village under Nilokhya union in Raipura upazila of Narsingdi last evening. The condition of two of the injured was said to be critical. According to local people, medical sources, and police, Baul Abdul Khaleque Fakir died 40 days back. His followers, led by Abdul Hadi of Darkandi village, organised his chehlam and the singing of Baul songs at his house for two days.
Yesterday, they offered a mass meal and slaughtered a cow. The people and the organisers publicised the event and several shops were set up at the place.
However, a team of riot police from the Raipura police station attacked the pandal (a large tent) and smashed the stage and furniture.
As news of the police action spread, hundreds of irate supporters of the Baul arrived at the spot, resulting in a clash. Stones were pelted at the law enforcement personnel. The police finally opened fire, injuring 10 people.
Local villagers rushed the wounded to the Narsingdi Sadar Hospital.
Later doctors there referred two men, identified as Jalal Uddin and Shamsu Mia, to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) because of their critical condition.
The officer-in-charge (OC) of Raipura and the assistant superintendent of police did not respond when efforts were made to contact them for their comments.
