Class 10 Student Succumbs to Injuries After Violent Land Dispute Clash in Sonai’s Hatikhali Bazaar

A long-standing land dispute at Sonai’s Hatikhali Bazar in Cachar district turned deadly after a violent clash between two groups left at least 12 people injured, claiming the life of a Class 10 student who succumbed to her injuries late on Wednesday night (December 17, 2025) at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH).

The incident took place on Monday night (December 15, 2025), following a prolonged dispute over a piece of land between two groups led by Atabur Rahman Ahmed and Abdul Hakim, both residents of Hatikhali Bazaar. According to local sources and the FIR lodged at Kachudaram Police Station, tensions escalated around 10:30 pm when 25–30 men and women, allegedly from Ataur Rahman Ahmed’s group, armed with sharp weapons, bricks and stones, attempted to forcibly occupy land belonging to Abdul Gafur.

When Abdul Hakim’s family, related to Abdul Gafur and their supporters, resisted the alleged encroachment attempt, a fierce clash broke out between the two sides. During the violence, at least 10 people from Abdul Hakim’s group sustained serious injuries, while two people from the Atabur Rahman Ahmed group suffered minor injuries.

As per local sources, the seriously injured from Abdul Hakim’s side have been identified as Abdul Hakim, his wife, Abdul Gafur, Shoaib Ahmed, Sadia Akhtar, Rabia Begum, Anara Begum, Baharul Islam, Muktarul Islam and Aktarul Islam. The two injured from the opposite group are Atabur Rahman Ahmed and Saidul Islam, police sources said.

A neighbour said that Sadia Akhtar, a Class 10 student of FA Memorial Senior Secondary School, Sundari, was returning home after coaching classes when she reached her house and saw her father, Abdul Hakim and brother Shoaib Ahmed being brutally assaulted by members of the rival group. Unable to bear the sight, Sadia allegedly rushed in to save them. During the scuffle, she was reportedly attacked and suffered severe head and body injuries.

Sadia, along with her brother Shoaib Ahmed and uncle Abdul Gafur, was rushed to Silchar Medical College and Hospital, where she was admitted to the ICU in critical condition. After battling for life for nearly two days, Sadia succumbed to her injuries late on Wednesday night. Shoaib Ahmed and Abdul Gafur continue to remain in critical condition.

The death of the minor student has triggered widespread outrage and intensified tension in the Hatikhali Bazaar area. Heavy police deployment has been made to prevent any further escalation. A case has been registered at Kachudaram Police Station based on a complaint filed by Abdul Hakim’s side.

Police said that the investigation is underway, and necessary legal action will be taken based on the findings.