An altercation over the use of money collected for a community Durga puja sparked violence at a tea estate in Alipurduar late on Friday.

At least two houses were torched and 12 policemen were injured.

Sources said around 11pm, a group from Demdima tea estate under Birpara were returning after immersing the Durga idol of their estate, when one of them, Birju Panna, hinted that a part of the money collected for the puja had been swindled.

Provoked, some in the group slashed Birju with a dagger. His screams prompted residents to rush out. Tempers flared and homes of two youths who had reportedly slashed Birju were burnt down.

When a police team reached the spot, they were attacked with bricks, stones and sticks.