STAFF CORRESPONDENT, Ctg

At least 10 people were injured in a clash between police and locals during an eviction drive in Chattogram’s Sitakunda upazila yesterday.

The incident occurred in Ali Nagar and Jungle Salimpur, both adjacent to one another.

Chattogram District Administration along with Chattogram City Corporation and Chattogram Development Authority evicted around 100 illegal establishments built on top of the underground central pipeline of Karnaphuli gas company on Bayezid Link Road, which is beside the areas.

The injured were admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH). Among the injured, Md Ali Raj Hasan (24) is in critical condition, as authorities shot him with rubber bullets, said medical police sources.

Police and witnesses said Chattogram deputy commissioner, superintendent of police (SP), Rab-7’s commanding officer and other officials went to Ali Nagar area, where local villagers, mostly illegal occupants, blocked their way and staged a demonstration.

At one point, locals cordoned off the officials, and another group of people started pelting brickbats. Police then started firing rubber bullets, leaving at least 10 people injured.

SP SM Shafiullah told The Daily Star, “We went to visit the area, but people blocked us and pelted brick chips. Later, police fired rubber bullets to disperse the angry mob, leaving a few injured.”

“Cases will be filed in this connection with Sitakunda Police Station,” he said.

Executive magistrate Omar Faruq said, “Around 100 illegal and risky establishments were evicted. They were built on top of Karnaphuli gas pipeline on Bayezid Link Road. The drive started around 10:00am and ended at 3:00pm.”

Authorities have taken up a bunch of development projects, to be established on the land of Jungle Salimpur. A group, however, have occupied many parts of the land.