Rangamati, Mar 16 (V7N)– A collector for the anti-agreement organization United People's Democratic Front (UPDF) has been shot dead in Rangamati. The incident occurred on Sunday morning in Khamarpara, Sapchhari Union, Rangamati Sadar Upazila. The deceased has been identified as Nirmal Khisa, 32.

Rangamati Kotwali Police Station confirmed the incident, stating that a police team has been dispatched to recover the body.

Local sources allege that Nirmal Khisa, a UPDF collector, was heavily involved in extortion. Recently, he reportedly demanded a substantial ransom from illegal Indian cigarette traders, who then allegedly sought assistance from the armed wing of the Jana Samhati Samiti (JSS). According to these sources, JSS operatives then carried out the killing.

The UPDF, in a statement, accused the JSS Santu group of the murder, alleging that a group of armed terrorists attacked UPDF members in Khamarpara, resulting in Nirmal Khisa's death. The UPDF also criticized the interim government for not taking action against JSS leader Santu Larma, demanding his arrest and punishment.

However, the JSS denied any involvement in the killing. JSS leader Dr. Ganga Manik told reporters that the JSS is not involved in such "undemocratic terrorist activities," suggesting that the killing may have resulted from internal conflicts within the UPDF. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with accusations flying between the UPDF and JSS. Police are conducting an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the killing.

END/AMR/RH/