Dhaka: A writ was filed with the High Court on Wednesday challenging the legality of police firing on Santal people during a clash with law enforcers and workers of Rangpur Sugar Mill in Gobindaganj in Gaibandha.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK)​, Association for Land Reforms and Development (ALRD) and Brotee Samaj Kallyan Sangstha jointly filed the writ with the relevant section of the HC.

An HC bench comprising Justice Obaidul Hassan and Justice Krishna Debnath is likely to hear the petition on Thursday, said advocate ZI Khan Panna, lawyer of the petitioners.

The petitioners sought High Court’s directives for providing compensation and security to the Santal people.

They also sought directives for submitting a report by the authorities concerned on the legal steps taken after the incident.

The Home Secretary, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rangpur Range, Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Gaibandha, Chairman of Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation (BSFIC) and Deputy General Manager of Sahebganj Sugar Mills among 11 people who have been made respondents to the petition.

Three Santal men were killed and 27 people, including nine policemen, injured following a clash with law enforcers and workers of Rangpur Sugar Mill in Gobindaganj upazila on November 6.

The clash broke out when workers of Rangpur Sugar Mills along with police went to Bagda Farm area to reclaim land of the sugar mill allegedly occupied by the Santal community.

Later, police filed a case against 350 people in connection with the incident.