A rumour over the death of a detainee triggered an attack on Agailjhara Police Station in Barishal on Thursday, leaving at least 12 people, including six police personnel, injured.

The incident took place around noon, prompting authorities to deploy additional police to bring the situation under control.

Police said Riaz Fakir, 24, of Fullashree village, was arrested on Wednesday evening in connection with a theft case. While in custody, he allegedly struck his head repeatedly and later fell ill.

He was first taken to Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex at around 11:00 pm and later referred to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.

On Thursday afternoon, rumours spread that Riaz had died in custody, triggering protests. More than a hundred people marched to the police station and allegedly attacked it.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Halim sustained serious injuries and was admitted to Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital. Five constables—Limon Mia, Farhad Hossain, Monir Hossain, Al Amin Hossain and Mehedi Hasan—were also injured.

At least six others, including Riaz's mother Nasrin Begum, 50, his sister Sharmin Akhter, 28, and Momtaz Begum, 47, were injured during the clash. Some of the injured were admitted to Agailjhara Upazila Health Complex, while others received treatment elsewhere, locals said.

Riaz's family alleged that police beat him after his arrest. However, police denied the allegation, claiming CCTV footage showed him injuring himself inside the lock-up.

Officer-in-Charge Mohammad Masud Khan said legal action was being taken against those involved in the attack on the police station.

He added that security had been tightened in the area and preparations were underway to file a case over the incident.