A dispute over payment at the entrance to a wedding ceremony escalated into a clash between the groom's and bride's sides in Tilpara village of Bogura Sadar on the evening of 31 July.

The wedding had been arranged between families from Gobindaganj in Gaibandha and Tilpara in Bogura.

Sub-Inspector Md Soleiman Ali of Bogura Sadar Police Station said an argument over the gate payment developed into a physical confrontation.

Police went to the venue after an emergency call and brought the situation under control, he said.

Ali said members of the groom's party had been held at the scene by people from the bride's side and local residents, and police brought them out.

Two people from the groom's side were receiving hospital treatment, police said.

The groom's side alleged that its guests were beaten and that about 15 mobile phones, a gold chain and other valuables were taken during the incident.

A relative of the groom alleged that the dispute began after the bride's side sought Tk 1,500 as gate payment while the groom's side offered Tk 500.

The same relative alleged that the group was prevented from leaving and threatened with a demand for Tk 1 million.

The bride's side denied involvement in assault or theft and alleged that people from the groom's side first acted aggressively and damaged household property.

Marriage broker Shamsul Haque said the payment dispute had initially been settled at Tk 700, but tensions returned after an alleged shove involving the bride's grandfather.

Police said they had received a complaint that phones and other belongings were missing.

Ali said police would investigate and take legal action if a written complaint is filed.