Rajganj, 26th March: A dispute over potato transportation escalated into gunfire on Tuesday night in Chariyapara, under Sukhani Gram Panchayat in Rajganj block. Rajganj police have arrested a person with a gun.
According to reports, two families cultivate potatoes in Chariyapara, Rajganj. Both need to cross each other’s land to transport their harvest via trolley. A disagreement had been brewing between them over this issue for several days.
Potato farmers Shahjahan Ali and Moksed Ali alleged that Aminur Islam and Azidul Islam transported potatoes through their land. Initially, they had agreed to allow the passage but later blocked them from using their land. This led to a fight, during which two rounds of gunfire were allegedly fired. While no casualties were reported, several individuals from both sides sustained injuries in the brawl.
Meanwhile, Aminur Islam and Azidul Islam admitted to firing shots but claimed it was in self-defense. They alleged that Shahjahan and Moksed Ali also fired and had prevented them from transporting potatoes through their land.
They further stated that on Tuesday night, when they were loading potatoes onto a vehicle, they were attacked, resulting in injuries to two family members and further violence at their home.
Following complaints from both sides, the police arrested Abdul Khalek with a gun and presented him before Jalpaiguri court on Wednesday. Further investigations into the matter are underway.