Clash between two neighborhoods over football match in Bera, over 50 injured

The clash took place at Nazim Bazar in the municipal area from 7 pm to 9 pm on Sunday (October 11). Later, police and upazila administration officials went to the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to local sources, a match between Wards 2 and 9 was held on Sunday in the ongoing ward-based football tournament at Bera BB Pilot Model High School field. After the match ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time, when a decision was taken to determine the result through a penalty shootout, a dispute arose between the two sides. At one stage, residents of Sardarpara in Ward 2 and Bangram neighborhood in Ward 9 became involved in a clash.

As the clash spread, there were chases and counter-chases between the two sides. At that time, several shops were set on fire, and allegations were raised that at least 15 shops and houses were vandalized, looted, and set on fire. Many of the injured are receiving treatment at various places, including Bera Upazila Health Complex. However, their names and identities are not known.

After receiving the news, Upazila Executive Officer Runalt Chakma went to the scene. To control the situation, police from Bera Model Police Station, along with police from Santhia and Sujanagar police stations and police from Pabna Police Lines and CRB members, took part. At that time, police fired several tear gas shells and blank shots. No one was reported arrested in the incident.

Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bera Police Station Nayan Kumar Sarkar said the clash originated from a dispute between the two sides centering on the football match. After bringing the situation under control, additional police have been deployed in the area to prevent fresh clashes.

Upazila Executive Officer Runalt Chakma said administration and law enforcement agency members went to the scene and brought the situation under control. Currently, the situation is normal. If fresh tension arises, necessary administrative measures will be taken.