At least 15 people including 7 policemen were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Chhatra League in Barisal.
Two houses and at least 20 motorcycles were vandalized during the incident that took place at Gournadi upazila on Saturday afternoon.
Police detained four local Chhatra League activists from the scene. The injured were taken to Gournadi Upazila Health Complex.
Local Chhatra League leader Rasheduzzaman Jhilam said: “On Saturday afternoon, Sumon Mahmud, a local Chhatra League leader, along with his men, attacked my house as I refuse to pay him 'tax' (extortion money) for lifting sand from my own land near the T&T office in Gournadi.”
However, Sumon Mahmud, denying the allegation, said: “My rival Gournadi upazila unit Chhatra League President Jubayer Islam alias Santu Bhuiya and Rasheduzzaman called me up on Saturday afternoon, and ambushed me at Rashed’s house.
“Santu attacked my men and later attacked my home, injuring my mother and father-in-law before vandalizing the house.”
Later, police took control of the situation, he added.
Contacted, Gournadi upazila unit Chhatra League President Santu Bhuiya, denying the allegation, said: “None of my activists were involved in the incident.”
“I heard that Sumon Mahmud and his men attacked Rasheduzzaman to extortion money out of him,” he added.
Gournadi police station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Golam Sarwar said: “No cases were lodged in connection with the clash. Police are patrolling the area to avert further untoward incidents.”
