2 cops injured during clash with auto-rickshaw drivers in Ctg
Around 3,000 such vehicles have been confiscated and impounded this month alone
Two policemen were injured in a clash with drivers of battery-run auto-rickshaws in the Bahir Signal intersection under Chandgaon Police Station in Chattogram today (23 April).
One of the cops was injured in the head and required stitches, Chandgaon Police Station Officer-in-Charge Aftab Uddin confirmed to The Business Standard.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
According to eyewitnesses, the incident began around 10am when a group of auto-rickshaw drivers blocked the intersection, demanding the return of seized vehicles and an end to alleged police harassment.
The protest escalated around 11:30am when police arrived and asked the demonstrators to clear the road, leading to a heated exchange.
The situation quickly deteriorated into a chase and counter-chase between the two groups. Protesters reportedly threw brick chips at the police, prompting law enforcers to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
The clash continued until army personnel arrived, prompting the protesters to retreat from the area.
By 2pm, the situation remained tense.
"We repeatedly requested the auto-rickshaw drivers to vacate the road. Instead, they attacked us. I'm at the scene now. While things are calmer, there is still some tension in the area," Chandgaon OC Aftab told TBS.
Sub-Inspector Anisur Rahman added, "Two officers were injured during the clash. One needed stitches to his head. The situation is now under control."
Over the past four days, more than 600 battery-powered rickshaws have been seized in a joint operation by the city's traffic police and the district administration. In total, around 3,000 such vehicles have been confiscated and impounded this month alone.
Several charging stations have also faced fines as part of the ongoing crackdown.
