Eight people were killed and two others injured in a deadly Dadu clash between two groups of the Chandio community in the katcha area of Dadu, police said on Sunday, as an old feud erupted into armed violence.

The exchange of fire took place in Sheikh Gulab village, located within the jurisdiction of Jalhu police station, according to police officials.

Following the incident, a heavy police contingent was dispatched to the area on the instructions of Dadu Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) retired Captain Saddam Hussain Khaskheli. Officers cordoned off the area and brought the situation under control.

SSP Khaskheli said the violence appeared to have stemmed from a longstanding personal dispute between the two sides. Police recovered weapons allegedly used during the clash and launched raids to arrest those suspected of involvement.

The deceased were identified as Fida Hussain, Zulfiqar alias Watni, Mohammad Bachal, Sultan, Manzoor, Irshad alias Hajin, Gulbahar and Didar Chandio.

Two other men, Ghulam Qadir Chandio and Mumtaz Chandio, sustained injuries during the firing. They were rescued from the scene and shifted to a hospital for medical treatment.

The bodies of the victims were also transported to hospital for medico-legal procedures before being handed over to their families.

Hyderabad Deputy Inspector General of Police Tariq Razzaq Khan Dharejo and the Dadu SSP ordered a continued heavy police presence in the area to prevent any further escalation. Police said the affected locality remained under security cordon as investigations continued.

Authorities said further legal action was being taken and those found responsible would face strict action under the law.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also took notice of the killings and expressed grief over the loss of life. He extended condolences to the families of those killed and sought a detailed report from the inspector general of police.

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The chief minister ordered an immediate investigation and directed police to arrest those responsible for the violence.

“Law cannot be allowed to be taken into one’s own hands,” Shah said, stressing that all those involved should be brought to justice.

He further instructed law-enforcement authorities to take action against the suspects without discrimination and ensure that the rule of law was maintained in the area.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjar separately sought an immediate report from the Hyderabad DIG regarding the clash. He directed police to maintain law and order and ensure that the situation remained under control.

Lanjar also ordered authorities to provide prompt medical treatment to the injured and ensure that the bodies of the deceased were handed over to their families after completion of the required legal formalities.

The incident highlights the continuing security challenges in parts of Sindh’s katcha region, where longstanding tribal and personal disputes can sometimes escalate into deadly armed confrontations.