ASHUGANJ: At least 50 people including policemen were injured in a clash between two rival groups over collection of lease money at Anandabazar in the district Sunday.

Police fired 25 rounds of tear shell canisters and 20 rounds of rubber bullets to tame down the fighting groups. The law enforcers also held 10 people from the spot.

Office-in-Charge of Sadar Thana Hamidul Islam said the clash ensued when people from Kandipara went to grab Anandabazar. “People from Birashar and Shatgram resisted them with lethal weapons and firearms,” he said.

The clash spread allover Anandabazar, Lakhibazar, Sharokbazar, New Market, Jagotbazar and adjacent areas turning the whole zone into a battlefield for two hours. Some shops were also vandalized and looted.

Panic gripped the whole area.

The injured were rushed to various local clinics and Brahmanbaria Sadar Hospital.

Earlier on August 27, two rival groups locked into a fierce fight that left at least 50 injured over lease money collection from Anandabazar fish market.

BDST: 1800 HRS, 29 AUGUST 2010