30 hurt in AL feud over toll collection in Sunamganj

Rival groups of ruling Awami League clashed over collection of tolls from river vessels at Sreepur Bazar in Tahirpur upazila yesterday afternoon, leaving 30 people injured.
Of the injured, Fazil Khan, Nazim Khan and Habil Khan were admitted to the upazila Health Complex. Others were released after first aid.
Locals said Shahabuddin group used to collect tolls from the engine propelled boats and cargo vessels plying through the Patlai River with coal and limestone from Barochhara-Chargaon border land port.
Recently, rival group led by Shoeb Mia started collection of tolls claiming he has taken lease from the office concerned. This made the vessels carrying imported coal and limestone to pay double tools on the river.
The rival groups accusing each other engaged in a brawl at Sreepur Bazar in the afternoon. Soon they clashed with lethal weapons resulting in injuries to 30 persons on both sides. All shops in the bazaar pulled the shutter and panic spread in the area.
Police rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.
But tension prevailed. None was arrested till late in the evening.