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A dispute over an alleged shoe theft escalated into a violent clash between police and students at Jagannath University in Old Dhaka, leaving at least 13 people injured. The incident, which occurred early today at the Murgitola intersection, also involved two journalists and five police personnel.

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We rescued the main accused from an angry crowd and were taking him away when some students tried to snatch him from police custody. Police had to resort to a baton charge to bring the situation under control. Five police personnel were also injured in the incident.

The trouble reportedly began around 1:00 AM after a student's shoes were allegedly stolen. Students claimed a local man was identified via CCTV, detained, and then freed by gathered residents who then assaulted the students. In response, hundreds of students converged on the area, surrounding a house where the suspects had taken shelter.

When police arrived, they escorted the individuals out of the house. However, students allegedly attempted to prevent the police from taking the suspect away, leading to a confrontation. Police then used batons to disperse the students, resulting in injuries to at least eight individuals. One journalist reported being struck by a police officer while documenting the events, sustaining injuries to his mouth and body. Another student claimed to have received three stitches for a head injury.

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I was taking photos and videos when a police officer struck me with a baton, injuring my mouth and other parts of my body.

In protest, students blocked the Murgitola intersection for an hour, disrupting traffic. A police official stated that they had to use batons to control the situation after students tried to snatch the main accused from custody. He added that five police personnel were also injured and that legal action would follow an investigation.

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I was standing peacefully when police suddenly charged at the students. I suffered a head injury that required three stitches.