A clash broke out between residents of Chhoto Dewanpara and Hawlapara villages in Sarail upazila of Brahmanbaria on Friday night over a dispute that began with a bathing incident at a local pond.
Locals said Taim from Hawlapara village went to bathe in a pond at Chhoto Dewanpara along with his friends earlier in the day. They were allegedly assaulted there by Shakil, Shipon and a few others from Chhoto Dewanpara.
As tension simmered into the night, residents from both villages armed with spears and homemade weapons engaged in a fierce confrontation. Villagers used torchlights in the darkness to target each other during the attack.
The area soon turned into a battleground as both sides chased each other, throwing bricks and stones. Panic spread among residents, forcing shops to close and bringing traffic to a halt.
At least 30 people from both sides were injured in the clash. The injured were treated at the upazila health complex and local clinics.
Sarail Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mosharraf Hossain said law enforcers rushed to the scene and brought the situation under control after an hour-long effort. He said police have been deployed in the area to prevent further violence and legal action is being initiated.
