40 hurt as BCL factions clash in Patuakhali
At least 40 people ncluding four policemen were injured as two factions of Chhatra League (BCL) locked in clashes in Kalapara upazila town yesterday over trivial matters.
One faction was led by Mahmudul Hasan alias Sujon Molla, president of Kalapara upazila unit BCL while the other led by its vice president Juku Mia.
Of the injured, five were rushed to Barisal Medical College Hospital while 10 others admitted to Kalapara upazila health complex in critical condition. Others took primary treatment at different clinics and hospitals.
Four injured policemen are Kamol, Anis and Shahid, all sub inspectors (SI) and Sogir ASI of Kalapara police station.
Police and locals said, cadres of Juku group beat up Rashed Khan, president of Ward 8 unit of Kalapara town BCL at noon on Monday in Mohila market area. The attackers beat him up for second time in the upazila health complex as he went there for treatment. They also physically assaulted Mamun Morol, uncle of Rashed at the health complex.
As a sequel to the incident, cadres belonging to rival Sujon Molla group launched attack on Juku group yesterday morning.
During sporadic clashes several shops at different places in the town were ransacked and damaged.
Police arrested 12 BCL activists for their alleged involvement in the violence. The arrestees are Juku Mia, Al Amin, Azim, Juwel, Azam, Shaon, Madhob of Juku group and Shahzada Molla, Himel, Al Masum, Sourov Sikder, Alom Bhuiyan and Kazi Shamim of Sujon Molla faction.
Contacted, Ishaq Ali, OC of Kalapara police station said the situation was brought under control at about 2pm and additional policemen were deployed in the town to avoid any farther clash.
No case was recorded till filing of this report at 5pm yesterday.
Rakibul Ahsan, secretary of Kalapara upazila unit Awami League (AL) said some outsiders in the name of BCL are creating a chaotic situation.
Necessary steps will be taken against BCL activists if any of them found guilty, he added.
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