Pabna, Oct 13 (V7N) – More than 50 people were reportedly injured in a clash between residents of two neighbourhoods in Bera upazila of Pabna over a football match on Sunday evening. At least 15 houses and shops were reportedly vandalised, looted or set on fire during the violence.

The clash took place in the Nazim Bazar area of Bera municipality between 7pm and 9pm on October 11. Police and local administration officials went to the scene and brought the situation under control.

According to local sources, a ward-based football tournament had been underway for several days at the field of Bera Bibi Pilot Model High School. Sunday's match was between teams representing Ward No. 2 and Ward No. 9 of the municipality.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time. A dispute reportedly broke out when organisers moved to decide the winner through a penalty shootout.

The disagreement escalated into a confrontation between residents of Sardarpara in Ward No. 2 and Bongram in Ward No. 9. The clash later spread, with groups from both neighbourhoods chasing and counter-chasing one another.

Several shops were reportedly set on fire. Residents also alleged that at least 15 houses and shops were vandalised, looted or set ablaze. More than 50 people were reportedly injured, although their identities could not immediately be confirmed.

Some of the injured were receiving treatment at Bera Upazila Health Complex and other locations.

Bera Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rulant Chakma visited the scene after receiving reports of the clash. Police from Bera Model Police Station were joined by personnel from the neighbouring Santhia and Sujanagar police stations, as well as members of the Pabna Police Lines and CRB.

Police reportedly fired several tear gas shells and blank rounds to disperse the crowds and restore order. No arrests were reported.

Bera Police Station Officer-in-Charge Nayan Kumar Sarkar confirmed the clash, saying it began with a dispute between the two sides over the football match.

Police and CRB personnel brought the situation under control, he said, adding that additional security personnel had been deployed and law enforcement agencies remained on alert to prevent further violence.

UNO Rulant Chakma said administration officials and law enforcement personnel had responded to the incident and restored normalcy. He added that further administrative measures would be taken if tensions resurfaced.

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