‘First’ victim of pre-poll violence

Staff Reporter :
Supporter of an independent MP candidate was killed allegedly by the ruling party candidate’s followers in Kalkini Upazila of Madaripur district on Saturday.

The victim has been identified as Eskendar Khan, 70, son of one Amir Hossain Khan. He was a member of ward no. 8 ruling Awami League. He came under attack in Vatabali area of Lakkhipur union.

Later, he died while undergoing treatment at Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal at 12 noon.

According to locals, Eskendar was a supporter of Tahmina Begum, an independent candidate running with ‘Eagle’ symbol for Madaripur-3 (Kalkini, Dasar and part of Sadar upazila).

Tahmina’s supporters have alleged that Eskendar was killed by supporters of ruling Awami League’s candidate and current lawmaker Abdus Sohan Golap.

Police said Eskendar came under the attack when he and some others were taking a morning walk.

Eskendar was attacked by supporters of Fazlul Haque Bepari, a former chairman of Lakkhipur Union Parishad. Fazlul is an agent of Abdus Sobhan Golap.

The attackers hacked Eskerdar indiscriminately and severed the veins of his legs.

The attackers also hacked another person who came to Eskerndar’s rescue. The attackers fled when people from adjacent areas rushed to the spot.

After attack, the two injured persons were rushed to Kalkini Upazila Health Complex first and then to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal as their conditions deteriorated.

Eskender breathed his last at the hospital at noon.

Kalkini police station’s office in charge (OC) Nazmul Hasan confirmed the matter to the media.

The OC said Eskendarwasn’t attacked over the election related issue.

He was attacked due to prior enmity over land dispute.

Nonetheless, the police are investigating the incident. Additional forces have been deployed in the locality, he said.