MUZAFFARGARH: Eight people were seriously injured in a violent clash between two rival groups over a dispute at the Chowk Azam vehicle stand in Layyah. Both sides used sticks, batons, stones and firearms during the confrontation.

The police have registered a case against both groups after their members attacked law enforcement officers.

The conflict between the Randhawa and Rana communities escalated over control of the vehicle stand, leading to the injuries.

A passenger van was also dam-aged in the chaos.

Chowk Azam police registered cases under sections 506, 324, 341,382,353,186,148 and149 of the Pakistan Penal Code and 16 MPO against 17 nominated and 25 unidentified people from the Rana community, while 14 nominated and 25 unidentified men from the Randhawa community were also booked.

According to the police, ASIs Muhammed Arshad and ASI Khadim Hussain were patrolling near Yadgar Chowk when they encountered the road blocked from both sides. As they approached the warring groups, members of both communities allegedly attacked them, snatched their weapons, mobilephones and cash. They also injured the police officials.

Police claimed that Shehnshah Randhawa and Billa Randhawa snatched weapons, while Zaffar Niazi and Rana Shahbaz tore their uniforms and caps before launching an attack with stones and gunfire.

The injured officials were later shifted to the hospital for treatment.

Charges in the case include attempted murder of police personnel, tearing uniforms and snatching official belongings.

The police said strict action would be taken against those involved in the violence. The police made arrests and the situation at the chowk was under con-trol. Reinforcements were called in from Chobara police and other areas to restore order.

The police have taken control of the vehicle stand and shifted injured people to Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, while further legal proceedings are underway.

INJURED: An accident occurred near Railway Road, Jinnah Park, in Layyah on Thursday morning when a physically-challenged child, Bilal, was seriously injured after being hit by a train near the railway track.

The impact led to the amputation of the child`s leg. He was immediately provided medical aid before being shifted to District Headquarters Hospital.