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Another case was filed against around 300 unidentified people on charges of obstructing government duties, injuring officials, vandalism, and arson, the OC said.

The case statement says people kept protesting and chanting slogans in violation of Section 144, defying repeated requests from police and army.

It further said that 250–300 members of an armed hill group from within the crowds clashed with security personnel, attempting to grab government weapons.

Bangalee settlers also gathered at the scene at that time.

As tensions escalated, the OC and army personnel urged both sides to disperse. Their appeals went unheeded, and the crowds began hurling stones.

At one point, the armed group moved toward the Ramesu Bazar area, firing at the army, police, and Bangalees. As the Bangalees advanced, the clash turned into a full-scale riot.

According to the case statement, gunfire erupted as fighting moved toward Ramesu Bazar.

Meanwhile, it added, flames were seen rising from nearby homes and shops.

Thirteen army personnel, three policemen, and the OC were injured by gunfire from the crowd. Police fired seven tear gas shells to protect lives and property, and the armed group fled when reinforcements arrived.

By around 4:30pm, the situation was brought under control. Police and army advanced toward the bazar and found several injured individuals lying on the road, who were then taken to Khagrachhari Sadar Hospital, said the case statement.

Meanwhile, SI Shahriar filed a case with Khagrachhari Sadar Police against 700 to 800 unidentified people on charges of violence and obstruction of officials on government duties.

Khagrachhari Superintendent of Police Arefin Jewel confirmed the filing of three cases and said the situation is now under control.

Law enforcement agencies remain deployed across the district, with intelligence surveillance ongoing.

Although Section 144 remains in force in both upazilas, vehicular and public movement appeared normal yesterday, with crowds seen at the weekly market.

Deputy Commissioner ABM Iftekharul Islam Khondker said the administration is monitoring the situation. “If law enforcement deems it stable, Section 144 will be lifted.”

The violence followed allegations that a teenage girl was raped on September 23 while returning home from private tuition. Her father filed a case the next morning with Khagrachhari Sadar Police Station against three unidentified men.

Law enforcers arrested a man named Shoyon Shil in connection with the case, and a court placed him on a six-day remand.

However, a medical board report submitted to the civil surgeon on Tuesday found no evidence of rape. Khagrachhari Civil Surgeon Dr Saber Ahmed said, “All 10 indicators examined showed no signs of rape. Still, it is for the court to decide.”

The girl’s father declined to comment yesterday, saying he would speak only in court. He also questioned how his daughter’s photos and medical details had been circulated by the media despite her being underage.