N'ganj Mayhem: Police sue 400 to 500 unnamed people

Police yesterday filed a case accusing 400-500 people over a clash which took place eight days ago during the eviction of hawkers from footpaths in Narayanganj City Corporation area.

Inspector (operations) Joynal Abedin filed the case with Narayanganj Sadar Police Station on charges of assaulting police, stopping them from discharging duties and hampering public interest, Abdur Razzak, officer-in-charge of the police Station, said.

According to the case statement, seven policemen were injured in the incident.

NCC Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy and around 50 others were also injured as supporters of local AL lawmaker Shamim Osman attacked the mayor's supporters, leading to a clash on Bangabandhu Road in the city's Chashara area on January 16 over eviction of hawkers from footpaths.

Quoting the case statement, the OC said hawkers started throwing brickbats when Ivy, councillors and her supporters arrived by foot in the Chashara area. An altercation and fight took place between Ivy's supporters and one Niyajul Islam and his supporters.

During the clash many, including Ivy and journalists, sustained injuries. Police finally were able to disperse the crowd by firing blank shots and releasing tear gas.

Asked about the delay in filing the case, the OC said a general diary was filed following the incident. The current case was filed after investigation.

Earlier on Tuesday, Narayanganj police refused to record an attempted murder case against some local leaders and activists of Awami League and its front organisations in connection with attack on Ivy.

However, police recorded a general diary in this regard. Niyajul Islam, who brandished a firearm during the incident, has been named in the GD as the main accused.