A tag officer was allegedly attacked and seriously injured by a group of youths in Khagrachari town after refusing to provide extra octane, officials said.

The incident took place at about 3:30pm on Monday in Mahajan Para area, Khagrachari Sadar upazila nirbahi officer Faria Sultana confirmed.

The injured Hemant Chakma is an employee of the Khagrachari Sadar Upazila Land Office.

According to sources, fuel distribution began at Meherunnesa filling station in the town at about 9:00am, where octane was being sold at Tk 500 per allocation. At one stage, some youths demanded additional octane in plastic containers, but the tag officer refused.

Later, when Hemant Chakma went to a nearby eatery in Mahajan Para for lunch, the youths allegedly dragged him out and beat him with sticks, breaking his hand.

Local people rescued him and took him to Khagrachari Sadar Hospital.

Upazila nirbahi officer Faria Sultana said that efforts were underway to identify those involved in the attack and take legal action against them.