Two cops injured as police, auto drivers clash in Ctg

Two policemen were injured, one of them requiring stitches on the head, in a clash between police and drivers of battery-powered auto-rickshaws in the Outer-Signal area under Chandgaon thana in Chattogram city on Wednesday.

Locals said the incident took place around 10:00 am when a group of auto drivers blocked the road, demanding return of vehicles seized earlier and an end to alleged police harassment.

The situation deteriorated around 11:30 am when police arrived at the spot and asked the demonstrators to clear the road, leading to a heated exchange.

At one stage, the situation deteriorated further into a chase and counter-chase between the two groups.

Protesters reportedly threw brick-bats at police, prompting the law enforcers to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.

The chaos continued until military personnel arrived at the spot, prompting the protesters to retreat from the area.

By 2:00 pm, the situation turned tense, although police claimed they had brought the situation under control.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Chandgaon thana Aftab Uddin said police repeatedly requested the drivers to vacate the road.

"Instead, they attacked us. I'm at the scene now. While things get a bit calm, there is still some tension in the area," he added.

Police officials said that two officers were injured during the clash. One needed stitches on his head. The situation is now under control.

Over the last four days, more than 600 battery-powered rickshaws have been seized in a joint operation by the city's traffic police and the district administration.

Around 3,000 such vehicles have been confiscated and impounded this month. Several charging stations have also faced fines as part of the ongoing crackdown.

nazimuddinshyamol@gmail.com