25 injured as B'baria villagers clash over death rumour

Two groups of villagers from Ashuganj upazila in Brahmanbaria today clashed with each other in connection with rumour of a murder that left 25 people injured.

At least 13 shops in a local market were torched during the clash between the supporters of UP chairman Rasel Mia and UP member Mizan Mia in the upazila's Durgapur village, said Mizanur Rahman, station officer of Ashuganj Fire Service.

Police arrested 10 supporters of both groups in this connection, our Brahmanbaria correspondent reports, quoting Azad Rahman, officer-in-charge of Ashuganj Police Station.

The clash ensued when CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver Ruhul Amin and his passenger Rimon locked into an altercation over charging an extra fare on Saturday, locals said.

Rimon is a follower of the Mizan group while Ruhul is a supporter of the chairman's group.

They locked into clashes again this morning as a rumour spread that one person had died during the rift. At least 13 shops in Durgapur village were rampaged and torched during the clashes.

At least 25 people from both sides suffered injuries. Among the injured, one Bahar Mia from the Mizan group was sent to Dhaka as his condition was critical.

Ashuganj OC said additional 35 policemen have been sent to the spot to avert any untoward incident. The situation in the area is currently under control.