Two injured in attack over watermelon dispute

CHUADANGA, Apr 12 (UNB): Two people were injured in a violent attack following a dispute over the sale of a white-fleshed watermelon at Lohapatti area in Chuadanga district on Friday night.

The victims, Rubel Islam, 35, and Amirul Islam, 27, both residents of the upazila, were attacked by a group of 20 to 30 people allegedly linked to a watermelon seller, police said.

According to Khaledur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station, the altercation began when a buyer attempted to return a white-fleshed watermelon at Boro Bazar earlier in the evening.

As tensions escalated, Rubel and Amirul were later intercepted and stabbed while travelling by motorbike.

They were admitted to Chuadanga Sadar Hospital around 10:45 pm, with Amirul later referred to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

Police responded promptly and brought the situation under control.

Efforts are underway to identify and arrest the attackers, the OC added.