Violent clashes broke out between two rival broker groups at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) over control of ICU patient referrals and the ambulance business, leaving at least seven people injured.

The brawls erupted Wednesday night, first near the emergency department and later in front of the Class IV Employees’ Association office. Witnesses said the fight began when a member of one group attacked Nawshad, prompting a retaliatory assault by the Shahadat group.

Shahadat, accused of leading one of the groups, denied the allegations, claiming that Nawshad was first beaten by rivals near the emergency ward. The situation escalated when Dhaka International Hospital owner Anisur Rahman arrived at the scene, leading to further clashes.

Previously, Shahadat had been expelled from his position as General Secretary of Dhaka University’s JCD hall branch for alleged involvement in patient-snatching incidents.