UPDF leader shot dead in Khagrachhari

A leader of the United People’s Democratic Front (UPDF-Democratic) was shot dead by unidentified miscreants in Panchhari upazila of Khagrachhari on Friday morning.

The deceased was identified as Niti Dutta Chakma, 45, organiser of UPDF (Democratic) in Panchhari upazila. He was a resident of Uttar Shantipur area.

Locals said Niti Chakma was sitting at a shop in Sutakarmpara area around 9am when a group of armed miscreants opened fire on him, leaving him critically injured.

He was rescued by locals and taken to Khagrachhari District Sadar Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Dr Jaya Tripura of the hospital said he had died before being brought in.

Ferdous Wahid, Officer-in-Charge of Panchhari Police Station, said police rushed to the spot after receiving the information and are working to bring the situation under control.

Efforts are underway to determine the details of the incident.

Meanwhile, Amar Chakma, central organiser of UPDF (Democratic), alleged that the killing was carried out by activists of the rival UPDF faction led by Khisa.

However, no statement was immediately available from the accused group.