Malda, May 29: A clash over collection of water from the only tubewell in a village has left at least five persons injured at Badhapur in Englishbazar this afternoon

A woman into her fourth month of pregnancy was among the injured. Doctors in the district hospital said the foetus died because of the assault. Her father lodged an FIR against four persons.

Additional superintendent of police Sujit Sarkar said the accused have fled the area. A hunt was on, he added.

The trouble began around 1.30pm when Shambhu Ghosh was washing his cow taking water from the tubewell. Some residents had raised objection, as there was acute scarcity of drinking water in the village. An altercation followed which led to a clash. Ghosh and his men raided the houses and beat up some of the villagers, including women. The villagers retaliated.

A team of policemen rushed to the spot and brought the situation under control.

Additional district magistrate Purnachandra Sit said he has sought a report from the block development officer.