Those beaten are Parimal Chandra Pal, Nalchhity upazila fishery extension officer in Jhalakati district and Laden Tarek, a BNP activist and alleged drug peddler, police and witnesses said.

After the incident Laden Tarek filed a case with Kotwali thana against some lawyers including TM Yunus office secretary of Barisal district Awami league and former president of Barisal Bar. Other named in the case are Majibor, Manjur, Delware Munshi and Delwar Hossain Dilu, all leaders of Awami Ainjibi Parishad.

Police said Parimal and Laden Tarek tried to snatch Gopal and Milon, accused in a case for allegedly stealing Parimal's mobile phone, ornaments and money.

Gopal and Milon had gone to a magistrate court in Barisal on Sunday to conform a bail granted to them by the High Court in the case.

As they were preparing to appear before the magistrate court, Parimal and Laden Tarek tried to snatch them from the lawyers.

Hearing the hue and cry, their lawyers and others came and foiled the bid and beat Parimal and Laden Tarek. Some of the lawyers were also injured in the incident.