Hindu locality burned as clash over sport kills 1

At least 16 houses of Hindus have been burned down after a man was killed in a clash over a game at Sadar Upazila in Barisal.

The rampage took place on Friday at the Upazila's Kalikhola at Charkaua.

Barisal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Md Shamsuddin said some Hindu youths and several others from Charaicha village had clashed on Thursday night over a badminton match at Kalikhola Matri Government Primary School ground.

One 'Parvez', son of Selim Gazi of Charaicha, died from knife wounds sustained during the clash.

Three others - Parvez’s younger brother 'Pavel', 'Shamim', 22, and 'Jahirul', 16, - were also injured.

Jahirul was taken to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital Thursday night.

On Friday morning, thousands of people of Charaicha village attacked and set fire to 16 Hindu houses at Kalikhola following rumours that Jahirul had died while undergoing treatment.

Fire-fighters doused the flames after three hours.

Deputy Commissioner of the district Shahidul Alam and senior administration officials had visited the spot at noon.

Parvez's uncle Azad Gazi said Pavel had an old rivalry with ‘Dhiman’ and ‘Piyush’ of Kalikhola Hindu community over a cricket match.

Their rivalry turned into a pitched battle between the two groups on Thursday night following a scuffle over the badminton game, which later led to Parvez's death.

Meanwhile, four people have been detained for questioning in connection with Parvez's death, said Police Commissioner Shamsuddin.

DC Alam said a three-member strong probe team was looking into the matter.

He said the Hindu victims were immediately provided with 30 kgs rice and Tk 5,000 in aid.

Every family would also be given three bundles of tins and Tk 3,000 more to rebuild their homes, Alam added.