Clash over auto-rickshaw fare in Kishoreganj's Mithamain injures 13, including police
A clash erupted in Mithamain upazila of Kishoreganj between a wedding party and auto-rickshaw drivers and local people over a fare dispute. At least 13 people were injured, including police members. Police said one police constable was seriously injured.
The incident took place at around 6:30pm on Friday (October 30) at the auto-rickshaw stand of Katkhal Bazar in the upazila. Police said the dispute began over fixing a fare of 40 taka from Katkhal Bazar to the destination.
According to Sub-Inspector (SI) Al Momen of the Katkhal police investigation centre, a man from the Raniganj area of Mithamain was travelling to his in-laws' home with his wife and about 40 wedding guests after the wedding formalities. On the way, an argument broke out with drivers over fares at the Katkhal Bazar auto-rickshaw stand, which turned into a fight. Several members of the wedding party were beaten and there were allegations that their mobile phones were taken away.
On receiving the news, police went to the spot and tried to bring the situation under control. SI Al Momen said a member of the wedding party phoned to report the beating and asked police to reach the spot quickly. He then went there with police members. When they asked about the situation, people at the stand and several others created disorder.
As the situation heated up, the police members were returning towards the investigation centre. They were then attacked from behind with sticks. Constable Kawsar was seriously injured with a head wound. Two to three more police members were also injured, SI Al Momen said.
The police officer said nine to ten people from the wedding party were injured. Three of them were taken to different hospitals, while the others received first aid.
It could not be immediately confirmed whether a case would be filed over the incident. However, SI Al Momen said legal action would be taken if the victims filed a case.
