The clashes that left 50 people injured were triggered by the Palli Bidyut Samily authorities' bid to snap power supply lines at residences of the municipal administrator and the former upazila chairman for alleged non-payment of bills. Some subscribers said they were not paying bills demanding reduction of power tariff and transparency by the Samity.

On Tuesday, the agitated people brought out processions and held meetings, demanding release of the leaders.

The agitated processionists also ransacked some windows glass at the Upazila Nirbahi Officer's office. The scared UNO took shelter in the toilet, sources said.

They also manhandled the DGM of Palli Bidyut Samity, Shakhawat Ullah, when he went to the TNO's office area.

The eight arrested include Lauta UP chairman Abdul Jalil, Tilpara UP chairman Israrel Haque and Jatiya Party leader Ali Ahmed.

Police arrested them when they along with others were holding a meeting at Dakshin bazaar of Beanibazar Monday night.

After Monday's clashes, two cases were lodged accusing a total of 900 people including the arrested leaders.

One of cases was filed under the Speedy Trial Act accusing 300 people for obstructing government employees from discharging duties.

The other case was filed against 600 people.

Additional police were deployed at the upazila headquarter.

The UNO also held an urgent meeting of the Upazila Law and Order Committee on Tuesday.

Local leaders of BNP, Awami League 10 Union Parishad chairmen, the OC and others attended the meeting that lasted over five hours.

A number of BNP leaders while talking to newsmen said, police and the administration created the unwanted situation.

The pourashava administrator, ex-upazila chairman and others arrested Monday night were sent to jail hajat on Tuesday.

Three of the injured persons-- Mokhtar Hossain, Mujib and Nizam Uddin -- were shifted to the Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital.