At least 50 people, including seven policemen and five journalists, were injured in a clash between hawkers and the followers of Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy during an eviction drive at Chashara intersection of Narayanganj on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said Ivy along with the NCC officials and locals was heading towards Chashara intersection around 4:45pm to evict makeshift shops erected on the footpath along the Bangabandhu Road, reports the UNB.

When they reached Sayem Plaza, hawkers, who occupied the footpath of the area in the afternoon, started hurling brick chips towards Ivy and her followers.

In retaliation, Ivy’s supporters also started throwing brickbats back.

Later, both the groups locked into a fierce clash when gunshots were also exchanged, said witnesses.

Police fired rubber bullets to disperse the gathering, said superintendent of police of the district Mainul Haque.

At least 50 people, including hawkers, journalists and supporters of both groups, were injured in the melee, the SP said, adding that police and Rapid Action Battalion members were deployed in the area to ward off further trouble.

On Sunday, Shamim Osman, an MP from Narayanganj-4 constituency, permitted the hawkers to carry out their business on footpaths until they are rehabilitated.

The NCC mayor blamed Shamim Osman for the incident and demanded immediate withdrawal of the SP and Deputy Commissioner of the district.