The incident took place around 8 pm on Thursday (September 4) near Sonarchar area under Charmonai union.
According to local fishermen, a dispute arose nearly two weeks ago between the crews of trawler owners Md. Shafik and Ismail Molla over net casting at the same spot. Though local arbitration was attempted, no solution was reached.
On Thursday night, tensions flared again when the groups anchored their trawlers side by side near the southern part of Sonarchar. Both sides locked into a clash, leaving eight people injured.
Shamim Molla, son of trawler owner Ismail Molla, alleged that around 10–11 men from Shafik’s side attacked with sticks. His father Ismail Molla (55), Sohag Molla (30), Siam Payada (22), Sifad (23) and Kamal Shikdar (25) were injured. They were admitted to Galachipa Hospital, while critically injured Sohag and Siam were referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.
On the other hand, trawler owner Shafik claimed that the dispute arose as the rival group anchored their trawler next to theirs. His crew members Akhtar Hossain (30), Robiul (20) and Robiul Hossain (23) were injured. Two of them were admitted to Galachipa Health Complex.
Both groups are residents of Darbhangha village under Charmonai union.
SI Md. Shahidul Islam, in-charge of Rangabali Naval Police Outpost, said: “Members of both groups were injured in the clash. Seven of them are currently hospitalized. An investigation is underway.”
